Alabama State vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL with Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Norfolk State University is larger than Alabama State based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 4,081 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama State University is located in Montgomery, AL (Midsize City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Alabama State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alabama State University 15:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Alabama State vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama State or NSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Norfolk State University than Alabama State ($9,124 vs. $13,138).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alabama State University are 32.6% lower than at Norfolk State University ($7,816 vs. $11,591).
• Alabama State University is 10.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $1,068 more per year; $11,248.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.8% higher at NSU than at Alabama State University (about $2,106 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $19,576.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alabama State University than at Norfolk State University (87% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 30% larger than aid received by Alabama State University students ($15,056 vs. $11,583).

Alabama State vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama State or NSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between NSU and Alabama State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Norfolk State University (930) is 70 points higher than at Alabama State (860).
• Incoming NSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Alabama State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama State University 749/967; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama State University 15/20; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama State - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama State Jul 31, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alabama State students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (2.95) than students at NSU (2.9).
• Alabama State has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15% at Alabama State vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Alabama State vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama State and NSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Norfolk State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Alabama State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Alabama State graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $29,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Norfolk State University graduates have a $1,091 lower median loan debt than Alabama State graduates ($31,000 vs. $32,091).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama State graduates ($320 vs. $331).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama State students, three years after graduation. (27% vs. 20%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.