Alcorn State University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Alcorn State University in Alcorn State, MS 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 Alcorn State University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 2,995 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alcorn State University is located in Alcorn State, MS (Distant Rural setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Alcorn 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: Alcorn State University 16:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Alcorn State University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alcorn State University 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 Alcorn State University ($9,124 vs. $12,376).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 5% lower than at Alcorn State University ($11,591 vs. $12,204).
• Norfolk State University is 15.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alcorn State University (about $1,395 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 146.8% higher at NSU than at Alcorn State University (about $12,897 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $8,785.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alcorn State University than at Norfolk State University (94% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 32.4% larger than aid received by Alcorn State University students ($15,056 vs. $11,375).

Alcorn State University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alcorn State University 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 Alcorn State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Norfolk State University (930) is 100 points higher than at Alcorn State University (830).
• Incoming NSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Alcorn State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alcorn State University 670/998; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alcorn State University 15/19; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alcorn State University - Required; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alcorn State University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Alcorn State University (45.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at Alcorn State University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Alcorn State University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alcorn State University 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).

• The graduation rate at Alcorn State University is the same as at Norfolk State University (33% vs. 33%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Alcorn State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alcorn State University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($28,250 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Alcorn State University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($292 vs. $320).
• More Alcorn State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (34% vs. 27%)

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.