Bluefield University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA 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 Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluefield University is located in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluefield University 14:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Bluefield University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield 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 Bluefield University ($9,124 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 18.2% lower than at Norfolk State University ($9,480 vs. $11,591).
• Bluefield University is 163% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $16,590 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.5% higher at Bluefield University than at Norfolk State University (about $5,088 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield University than at Norfolk State University (94% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield University students is 35.1% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($20,341 vs. $15,056).

Bluefield University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• 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: Bluefield University - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Bluefield University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Bluefield University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield 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).

• Bluefield University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $10,166 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($20,834 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $105 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($215 vs. $320).
• More Bluefield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.