Northern Michigan University (NMU) vs Valley City State University (VCSU)
Northern Michigan University and Valley City State University, located in the picturesque regions of Michigan and North Dakota, respectively, offer distinct educational experiences. Northern Michigan University boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while Valley City State University maintains a smaller student population, fostering a close-knit community. Both universities offer a range of undergraduate programs, with Northern Michigan University excelling in fields like Business, Engineering, and Health Professions, and Valley City State University specializing in Education, Agriculture, and Liberal Arts. While Northern Michigan University boasts a higher graduation rate, Valley City State University offers a more affordable education. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Northern Michigan University |
![]() Valley City State University |
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Overview |
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Location | Marquette, Michigan | Valley City, North Dakota |
Campus setting | Town: Remote | Town: Remote |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 72.0% | 61.0% |
![]() |
Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 71.3% | 81.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$35
Graduate:
$50
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Undergraduate:
$35
Graduate:
$35
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SAT range | N/A | 935 - 1190 |
ACT range | N/A | 17 - 23 |
Students submitting SAT score | 7.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 68.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 6,553 | 442 |
Total number of admissions given out | 4,670 | 360 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 1,496 | 196 |
Yield rate | 32.0% | 54.4% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$26,076
Out of state:
$31,572
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In state:
$20,016
Out of state:
$24,790
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Average net price | $17,686 | $13,243 |
Tuition |
In state:
$12,098
Out of state:
$17,594
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In state:
$6,364
Out of state:
$11,138
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$6,212
Meal plan:
$5,700
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Room/dormitory:
$2,505
Meal plan:
$4,414
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $8,291 |
99.0%
Average amount $5,907 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
60.0%
Average amount $4,882 |
66.0%
Average amount $4,794 |
Students taking out private loans |
13.0%
Average amount $12,023 |
17.0%
Average amount $6,743 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
6,611
Men 41.4% Women 58.6% |
1,523
Men 41.8% Women 58.2% |
Graduate students |
603
Men 31.8% Women 68.2% |
163
Men 32.5% Women 67.5% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
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Very Low
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Out-of-state students | 27.5% | 36.9% |
International students | 1.2% | 1.3% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Remote | Town: Remote |
Dormitory capacity | 2,956 | 462 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Michigan Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California | North Dakota Minnesota Alaska Hawaii Colorado |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 19:1 | 13:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 49.4% | 53.2% |
Dropout rate | 48.5% | 17.9% |
Transferred out | N/A | 28.9% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
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Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
Human Services, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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