Bowie State University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Bowie State University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 6,053 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Bowie 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: Bowie State University 15:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Bowie State University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie 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 Bowie State University ($9,124 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 5.3% lower than at Bowie State University ($11,591 vs. $12,241).
• Norfolk State University is 10.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $962 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.7% higher at NSU than at Bowie State University (about $1,744 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $19,938.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Norfolk State University than at Bowie State University (75% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 120.8% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($15,056 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowie State University or NSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between NSU and Bowie State University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Bowie State University (940) is 10 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bowie State University 796/1083; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresNorfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Bowie State University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.12) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Bowie State University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie State University and NSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Bowie State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $13,800 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $6,609 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($24,391 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($252 vs. $320).
• More Bowie State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (29% 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.