Mayville State University (MSU)

An "extremely student-friendly" school in rural North Dakota, Mayville State University is an excellent value. At this tiny public institution, students benefit from the unusual combination of "low cost and small classroom size" as well as a "warm and personable" academic atmosphere. Mayville's professors are "very passionate about their profession" and "willing to bend over backwards" for their students. A current undergrad observes, "If I have a problem with one of my classes, I can easily go to my professor to ask a question because they are always there for me." Beyond academics, there is a "sincere concern for students" throughout the Mayville community, and faculty and staff really "care about what you are planning to do after graduation." Although it doesn't offer the same warm and fuzzy feeling, the school also "offers degrees online," helping adult students manage the costs and logistics of returning to school. Mayville even offers "a lab section online" for science courses. Nonetheless, some students would like to also see "more night classes for those who have to work during the day." No matter how you choose to study, the good news is you won't graduate from Mayville with tons of debt. As a part of the University of North Dakota school system, the tuition price is reasonable, and "the financial aid department is very helpful."

Students often describe Mayville as "one big family." Here, students are "warm and friendly" and generally welcoming to anyone who walks on campus. Most Mayville undergraduates hail from the local area, but they come from "different backgrounds and settings." "Those not from ND/MN are usually here on sports scholarships," or they have come from overseas as a part of the school's very small but burgeoning international community. On this active campus, "The typical student is either an athlete or was an athlete in high school," and most are "18 to 20 years old." However, "There is also a group of students…well over that age," and "Students of all age brackets seem to get along great." "There are some cliques" on campus, but "The typical student finds a group of friends rather quickly." Commuters often have "limited exposure to life on campus," and online students are even more detached. However, online students do appreciate the fact that online courses attract a "much broader scope of students," with participants coming "from all over North America."

There is plenty to keep students busy on the small Mayville campus. When they aren't hitting the books, Mayville students "host video game tournaments, play sports for fun, workout, go to movies, go out to eat, and just hang out with each other." "Athletic events and house parties" are definitely the two of the most popular activities on campus, though students also enjoy "just hanging out in each other's dorms or apartments." Mayville State is a "small college in a small town," but it is conveniently located "close to both major cities in North Dakota." When they want a break from campus, students may head to the "bowling alley and movie theater in town" or venture out to Fargo or Grand Forks. Life at Mayville continues to improve as the administration invests in newer dorm and classroom facilities. Currently, "New classrooms, dorm, [and] outside sitting areas are making the campus more beautiful and welcoming."