Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I begin?
The Office of Enrollment Services will help you begin your higher education experience at Valley City State University. Call Enrollment Services at (701) 845-7101 or (800) 532-8641, extension 7101. You may also contact Enrollment Services by email at enrollmentservices@vcsu.edu.

Do I qualify for admission to the university?
Valley City State University requires students to complete a core group of high school courses to be eligible for admission as a freshman and a minimum GPA as a transfer applicant.  There is no minimum ACT/SAT score required. Refer to the Enrollment Services section of this catalog for details.

How do I start the admission process? Are there any deadlines?
Your first step in applying to the university is to complete the application for admission. The online application can be found at apply.vcsu.edu.  If a paper application is needed, please visit the Enrollment Services Office website.  Although there isn’t an official application deadline, there are scholarship and financial aid deadlines, as well as residence hall room availability that may be jeopardized by applying late.  Apply as soon as you are able. The $35 application fee may be paid online also or sent through the mail.

How much is it going to cost?
Your cost depends on your state or country of residence. For complete cost structures, visit the Business Office website.

Am I eligible for financial aid?
The first step to applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov, VCSU’s code is 003008.

Am I eligible for scholarships?
Valley City State University offers numerous scholarships to new and returning students. Scholarship eligibility for new students is based on your high school GPA, class rank, and ACT or SAT scores or college GPA for transfer students. Scholarships for returning students are based primarily on the GPA earned at VCSU. For more information on scholarships, new students should contact Enrollment Services and returning students should contact the Office of Financial Aid.

I want to become a teacher. Who do I talk to?
There are a number of sources to help you examine the teaching profession. You may contact the Office of Enrollment Services or the School of Education and Graduate Studies at VCSU to learn about our program and the profession. You may also visit with your high school teachers to gain insight into the profession.

Do I have to pay the technology fee even if I own my own computer?
Yes. The technology fee pays for more than just the computer. You are given access to the internet, your own email account and software. The help desk is available to you as well. This, plus maintenance of the network, printers and paper are provided through this fee. Having all students on the same software/hardware platform creates a powerful environment to support teaching and learning.

Do I have to live on campus?
VCSU requires all freshmen to reside on campus and be on the board plan. We have found that the residence halls provide a unique living experience that is a key ingredient to the total educational program. The residence halls provide a wide variety of educational, cultural, and social programs through out the academic year.

How do I get an academic advisor?
The Office of Student Academic Services coordinates academic advising. You will be assigned an advisor according to your academic interest.

Is there an orientation program?
Yes. If you are starting the fall semester, you will have the opportunity to register for classes during new student orientation in the spring or summer. You will be contacted by the university to sign up for your date of preference. The fall opening activities weekend begins the Friday before the start of classes with activities ranging from Notebook Computer Distribution to social activities, floor meetings with your RA, and group events to help you feel confident on campus. The orientation program continues throughout the fall semester in your Learning to Live, Living to Learn class, which covers topics related to the college and life experiences.

My computer knowledge is limited. Are training opportunities available?
When new students are issued a notebook computer, they take a short Care/Use of Notebook Computer class to learn about basic features of the notebook computer. It is recommended that students take CIS 170 Introduction to Computer Information Systems during their fist semester on campus to gain the skills necessary for maximizing the benefit of the notebook in their coursework. Help Documents are also available online to provide quick learning guides for the software and network services available at VCSU.

How do I get my VCSU transcripts?
Valley City State University provides official transcript ordering online. Current and former students with online CampusConnection access may order official transcripts in Self Service. Individuals without a CampusConnection account may order directly from Parchment.