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University of Mary vs Valley City State University

University of Mary is a private university in Bismarck, ND. Valley City State University is a public university in Valley City, ND. University of Mary admits about 75% of applicants and Valley City State University about 99%, making University of Mary the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $11,890 a year at Valley City State University after aid, and about $17,770 at University of Mary. About 67% of students graduate at University of Mary, compared with 51% at Valley City State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Mary alumni earn a median of about $60,909, against $52,725 for Valley City State University.

University of Mary

Bismarck, ND · Private

Valley City State University

Valley City, ND · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Bismarck, ND
Valley City, ND
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,416
958
Acceptance rate
75%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.06–3.56
SAT (middle 50%)
1110–1340
830–1070
ACT (middle 50%)
21–26
17–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,770
$11,890
Full cost / yr
$33,672
$20,468
In-state tuition
$22,356
$8,514
Out-of-state tuition
$22,356
$13,544
Application fee
$30
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,593
$7,879
$30k - $48k
$12,282
$7,787
$48k - $75k
$13,087
$10,841
$75k - $110k
$16,001
$12,538
Over $110k
$20,063
$14,570
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
51%
Freshman retention
84%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,191
$45,820
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,909
$52,725
Median debt at graduation
$24,000
$20,369
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
17%
First-generation students
18%
26%
International students
3%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 20
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Mary or Valley City State University harder to get into?
University of Mary is harder to get into. It admits about 75% of applicants, compared with 99% at Valley City State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Mary or Valley City State University?
Valley City State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,890 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,770 at University of Mary. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Mary and Valley City State University?
Before aid, Valley City State University costs about $20,468 a year and University of Mary about $33,672. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Mary or Valley City State University?
Valley City State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,879 there, against about $11,593 at University of Mary. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Mary or Valley City State University?
University of Mary is the larger of the two, with about 2,416 undergraduates against 958 at Valley City State University.
Does University of Mary or Valley City State University have a better graduation rate?
University of Mary has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 51% at Valley City State University.
Do graduates of University of Mary or Valley City State University earn more?
University of Mary alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,909 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,725 for Valley City State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Mary and Valley City State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Mary is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Valley City State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Mary and Valley City State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1110–1340 at University of Mary and 830–1070 at Valley City State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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