September 23, 2025
Mayville State University is experiencing historic enrollment increases across the board for the Fall Semester of 2025. A record number of North Dakota residents are included in the final official headcount of 1,215, which is a 7.14% increase over the fall of 2024, and a 15.9% increase over the fall of 2023. The headcount of 1,215 is an all-time record for Mayville State. The FTE (full time equivalent) figure for the Fall Semester of 2025 is 857, the highest in the history of the university. This is a 7.93% increase over the fall of 2024, and a 16.8% increase over the fall of 2023. The number of freshmen enrolled this fall increased by 43.7% over the Fall Semester of 2024.
“We are thrilled with these enrollment increases and records,” said Mayville State University President Dr. Brian Van Horn. “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.”
Mayville State University is making an impact with a significant North Dakota need by graduating students who are well-prepared and ready to enter the workforce in high-demand career areas. In academic year 2018, Mayville State graduated 163 students. That number grew to 250 graduates in academic year 2025. Mayville State students also fill workforce gaps in the local area while enrolled in college. This fall, the second- highest-ever number of full-time students are studying on campus. These students are employed all over the region, including in the larger nearby cities.
“Mayville State continues to make an important positive impact on the workforce needs of North Dakota,” said President Van Horn. “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.”
Stats gathered in the fall of 2024 demonstrate Mayville State’s workforce impact: 805 Mayville State grads are teachers or administrators in N.D.; 85% of recent teacher ed grads hold teaching licenses in N.D.; 71% of Master of Education grads work full-time in N.D.; 80% of RN-to-BSN graduates reside in N.D., and 15% reside in Minn.; and 95% of current master’s degree students in nursing education and nursing leadership and management are employed full- or part-time in N.D.
Mayville State students are satisfied with their experiences, as evidenced by the recently recorded 81% student retention rate, an all-time record for the institution and an increase of 14% over Fall 2023. Students enrolled this fall include residents of 47 of North Dakota’s 53 counties, attesting to the desire of North Dakota residents to enroll at smaller institutions like Mayville State.
“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.
A number of facilities improvements are being made on the Mayville State campus. Renovation of the campus flagship building, Old Main, is underway, and significant progress has been made. The 68th Legislative Assembly of North Dakota appropriated $52,254,901 for the project, which involves a complete renovation of the interior of the building, providing optimal learning space for the 21st century, while maintaining the historical exterior character. The project is slated for completion in July of 2026. See more at www.mayvillestate.edu/oldmain.
Newly remodeled space in the Campus Center includes a new bookstore, mailroom, and student lounge. In addition, an elevator has been installed, and a new parking lot has been completed on the east side of the Campus Center.
Legacy Plaza, a beautifully landscaped area of campus that incorporates patios, seating areas, and more with a remembrance of the past, as well as a commitment to the present and future, is being enjoyed by students and employees, as well as campus visitors. This project has been spearheaded by the Mayville State Alumni Association Board. Generous alumni and friends have provided the funding needed for the project.
With the completion of these campus projects, approximately 50% of the Mayville State campus will be “new” before the 2026 academic year begins.
“Our best days at Mayville State are ahead of us!” Van Horn affirmed.