Allen University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Allen University in Columbia, SC 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 Allen University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 610 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Allen University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Allen University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Allen University 12:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Allen University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Allen 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 Allen University ($9,124 vs. $11,182).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen University are 25.9% lower than at Norfolk State University ($8,584 vs. $11,591).
• Allen University is 40.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $4,124 more per year; $14,304.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.6% higher at NSU than at Allen University (about $7,378 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $14,304.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Allen University than at Norfolk State University (97% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 16.5% larger than aid received by Allen University students ($15,056 vs. $12,927).

Allen University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Allen 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 Allen University.

• Allen University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Allen University - Open admission; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen University Jul 1, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Allen University (72.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.1% at Allen University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Allen University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Allen 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).

• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Allen University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $24,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Norfolk State University graduates have a $6,119 lower median loan debt than Allen University graduates ($31,000 vs. $37,119).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Allen University graduates ($320 vs. $383).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Allen University students, three years after graduation. (27% vs. 13%)

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.