VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) announced it has enrolled more than 1800 students for the first time in school history.

A record 1806 total students are currently enrolled at VCSU for the 2024 fall semester. That includes 1651 undergraduate students and 155 graduate students.

Over the last 10 years, VCSU’s headcount has grown more than 31 percent and the university set fall enrollment records nine out of the 10 years. This year’s total headcount of 1806 surpasses last year’s record of 1754 students. VCSU’s full-time equivalent count (FTE) has also reached a new record of 1184.

“Our continued growth speaks volumes about the solid reputation and stability we have at VCSU,” said President Alan LaFave. “Students and their families trust and recognize the strength of a VCSU degree. We do not take their trust lightly, and our faculty and staff work hard to create an environment where students can excel in their chosen field.”

The university enrolled 314 new undergraduate students this semester, which includes freshmen and transfer students. The school had a noticeable uptick in both graduate students and transfer students this fall. The graduate program grew by 23 percent over last fall, and transfer student numbers increased by 21 percent.

A total of 141 transfer students chose to attend VCSU this fall after initially attending other colleges or universities. VCSU’s retention rate of its current students also increased by at least 3 percent across the board from last year.

“A VCSU degree continues to be recognized as a smart academic investment,” said LaFave. “Our trusted degrees and generous scholarship programs combine to provide our students with quality education and experiences at an affordable price.”

VCSU’s momentum is not only limited to enrollment growth. A $13.5 million renovation is underway in McCarthy Hall, which will be the new home of VCSU’s top-ranked School of Education. The university is also close to breaking ground on an expansion of its athletic facilities through fund raised dollars.

The university has strategically added new programs or articulation agreements to address growing workforce needs. VCSU’s School of Education is at the forefront of teacher education, awarding more bachelor’s degrees in education than any other school in the state.

“Our unique mix of academic programs has positioned VCSU to meet the current and future needs of our state and region,” said Larry Brooks, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Our many partnerships and academic agreements with colleges across the state and region help ensure we’re doing our part to fill workforce demands. I’m pleased to see so many students taking the opportunity to pursue their education at VCSU.”