Academics
Feb 3, 2026
VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) has been ranked among the 2026 Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
U.S. News ranked VCSU in both the 2026 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and the 2026 Best Online Master’s in Education categories. VCSU is the #2 North Dakota school in both online categories. U.S. News annually evaluates schools more than 1600 online programs based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, services and technologies.
“We know that VCSU is one of the top schools in the region for our combination of student support, academic quality and affordability,” said Dr. Allen Burgad, interim president. “Whether they choose to study on-campus or online, our students are receiving a quality education that fits their personal needs.”
About 27 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 2nd among North Dakota institutions and 165th in the nation by U.S. News. Valley City State University ranked 24th – or top 8% in the nation – 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. VCSU is one of just four North Dakota schools to achieve a ranking in the online master’s in education category.
“VCSU faculty and staff are dedicated to helping all our students succeed, whether they are on campus or online,” said Larry Brooks, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Rankings like this reinforce and validate the quality educational experience we offer for online students.”
VCSU’s online bachelor’s programs ranked 2nd among the North Dakota institutions and 235th in the nation. VCSU is one of just three North Dakota schools listed in that category.
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.