Benedict College vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Benedict College 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 Benedict College based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 1,691 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Benedict College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Benedict College 13:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Benedict College vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedict College 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 Benedict College ($9,124 vs. $18,665).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 38.3% lower than at Norfolk State University ($7,146 vs. $11,591).
• Benedict College is 71.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $7,260 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.3% higher at NSU than at Benedict College (about $4,242 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Benedict College than at Norfolk State University (95% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 12.9% larger than aid received by Benedict College students ($15,056 vs. $13,335).

Benedict College vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedict College 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 Benedict College.

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Norfolk State University (930) is 10 points higher than at Benedict College (920).
• Incoming NSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 16 at Benedict College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 820/1010; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 14/19; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedict College - Open admission; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Benedict College has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8% at Benedict College vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Benedict College vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedict College 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 Benedict College's (26%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $11,700 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Norfolk State University graduates have a $11,898 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($31,000 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $123 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($320 vs. $443).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College 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.