NE North Dakota News

Mayville State University has reported record enrollment increases for the 2025 academic year. President Dr. Brian Van Horn stated, “We are thrilled with these enrollment increases and records. Our campus is bursting with wonderful students who appreciate the outstanding value and opportunities available at ‘The School of Personal Service.’ I commend our Enrollment Management team, the athletic department personnel, and all Mayville State students, faculty, and staff who make the enrollment process successful.”

The university noted a rise in graduates over recent years, with 163 students graduating in 2018 compared to 250 in 2025. Many of these students contribute to the regional workforce while enrolled. The current fall semester has brought the second-highest number of full-time on-campus students, many of whom work throughout the region.

President Van Horn emphasized Mayville State’s contribution to North Dakota’s workforce needs: “Mayville State continues to make an important positive impact on the workforce needs of North Dakota. We look forward to continuing to partner with North Dakota high schools, colleges, and universities as we work to educate the workforce of the state.”

Data from fall 2024 shows that 805 alumni are working as teachers or administrators within North Dakota. Additionally, 85% of recent teacher education graduates hold teaching licenses in the state; 71% of Master of Education graduates have full-time employment locally; and most RN-to-BSN graduates remain in North Dakota or nearby Minnesota. Ninety-five percent of current master’s degree nursing students are employed at least part-time within North Dakota.

Student satisfaction appears strong at Mayville State, with a retention rate reaching a record high of 81%, up by 14% from Fall 2023. Students this fall come from nearly every county in North Dakota.

“Mayville State’s growth coincides with the excitement for Mayville State that is evident on campus and beyond. Small public universities are necessary and play a vital role in our state’s success. Affordability, safety, easy access, and the personal service our students experience are significant factors that weigh in when students are making their higher education decisions, and we are happy to offer these opportunities for students who study on campus as well as those who study online,” said President Van Horn.

Facility upgrades continue across campus. Renovation efforts on Old Main—the university’s flagship building—are ongoing after receiving more than $52 million from North Dakota’s legislature for interior improvements while preserving its historic exterior character. The project is scheduled for completion by July 2026 (www.mayvillestate.edu/oldmain).

Other recent updates include remodeled space in the Campus Center featuring a new bookstore, mailroom, student lounge, elevator installation, and an expanded parking lot.

Legacy Plaza has also been completed through support from alumni donations and features landscaped patios and seating areas for use by students and visitors.

With these projects finishing soon, about half of Mayville State’s campus will be newly renovated before classes begin in fall 2026.

“Our best days at Mayville State are ahead of us!” Van Horn affirmed.