September 22, 2026
Mayville State University is experiencing historic enrollment increases for the Fall Semester of 2026. This follows a trend of record enrollment increases over the last several years. The headcount of 1,223 is an all-time record for Mayville State, a nearly 8% increase over the Fall Semester of 2024. The FTE (full time equivalent) figure for the Fall Semester of 2026 is 879, the highest in the history of the university. This is a 2.57% increase over the fall of 2025, and a nearly 11% increase over the fall of 2024. At 699, the number of full-time students enrolled matches the highest-ever number of full-time students achieved in 1995. The number has grown by more than 6% since last fall, and by 9.8% over the Fall Semester of 2024.
“These enrollment gains reflect the momentum and strength of Mayville State University,” said Mayville State University President Dr. Brian Van Horn. “We are proud to welcome so many students who value the opportunities, affordability, and personalized attention that set Mayville State apart. We thank our Enrollment Management team, faculty, staff, students, and athletic department personnel for the important role each has played in this success.”
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, 168 degrees were earned at Mayville State. That number grew to 276 in academic year 2025-26. Mayville State students also fill workforce gaps in the local area while enrolled in college. This fall, the highest-ever number of full-time students are studying on campus. They are not waiting until graduation to contribute to the workforce needs of the state.
These students are employed all over the region, including in the larger nearby cities. They are serving as educators, caregivers, agricultural workers, public service employees, and business professionals while developing the skills and experience that will benefit them throughout their careers. Their contributions are especially important as communities throughout North Dakota continue to face workforce shortages in key industries. Mayville State students help address immediate staffing needs while building the talent pipeline that will support North Dakota’s future.
“Mayville State remains committed to strengthening North Dakota’s workforce through quality education and meaningful partnerships,” said President Van Horn. “By collaborating with various partners throughout the state, we can continue to create opportunities for students and address the evolving needs of employers across the state.”
Students enrolled this fall include residents of 45 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 nearing completion, and the building is scheduled to open for use in the Spring Semester of 2027. 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. See more at www.mayvillestate.edu/oldmain.
Recent improvements to the Mayville State campus include a remodeled Campus Center featuring a new bookstore, mailroom, student lounge, elevator, and parking lot. Students, employees, and visitors are also enjoying Legacy Plaza, a beautifully landscaped gathering space made possible through the leadership of the Mayville State Alumni Association and the generosity of alumni and friends. With the completion of these projects and the Old Main renovation project, nearly 50% of the Mayville State campus will be considered new or significantly renovated by the start of the Spring 2027 semester.
The news of record enrollment comes with the announcement today that Mayville State University has been ranked #5 in the U.S. News & World Report listing of Top Public Schools - Regional Colleges (Midwest). Mayville State is also included in the U.S. News & World Report Regional Colleges Midwest and Top Performers on Social Mobility listings.
“Our best days at Mayville State are ahead of us!” Van Horn affirmed.