VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) has been ranked among the 2025 Best Online Master’s in Education Programs by U.S. News & World Report.

U.S. News also ranked VCSU in its 2025 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. VCSU is one of only two North Dakota schools to receive rankings in both online categories. U.S. News annually evaluates schools based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, services and technologies.

“These rankings again validate that VCSU is one of the best schools in our region for academic quality, support and student success,” President Alan LaFave said. “Regardless of the course delivery mode they choose, our students are getting a great education to fit their individual situation.”

About 25 percent of VCSU’s enrolled students are classified as online students. That includes the master’s degree programs in education, which are affordable online options for working teachers to further their education and career.

VCSU’s online master’s in education was ranked 150^th in the nation by U.S. News and is one of just three North Dakota schools earning a ranking. VCSU ranked ahead of all North Dakota institutions except University of North Dakota (118^th). VCSU ranked 28^th in the “Services and Technologies” category, which reflects an institution’s ability to deliver strong support structures for online students that are commensurate with campus-based programs.

“Everyone at VCSU works to help our students succeed, whether they are on campus or online,” said Larry Brooks, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Rankings like this reinforce the quality of the educational experience we offer for online students.”

VCSU finished 230th in the online bachelor’s ranking and is one of just three North Dakota schools listed in that category. VCSU’s online bachelor’s programs ranked ahead of all North Dakota institutions except University of North Dakota (151^st).

In its 13th year, the U.S. News Best Online Programs is designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education. This year’s edition evaluates more than 1,600 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs using metrics specific to online learning. The rankings only include degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.