Claflin University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Claflin University in Orangeburg, 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 Claflin University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 1,852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Claflin University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Claflin 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 Claflin University ($9,124 vs. $17,272).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 18.2% lower than at Norfolk State University ($9,480 vs. $11,591).
• Claflin University is 79.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $8,102 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.6% higher at NSU than at Claflin University (about $3,400 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Claflin University than at Norfolk State University (98% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Claflin University students is 10.2% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($16,596 vs. $15,056).

Claflin University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Claflin University (940) is 10 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming NSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Claflin University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 840/1040; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 16/18; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Claflin University - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Claflin University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Claflin University (64.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.3% at Claflin University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Claflin University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Claflin 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).

• Claflin University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Norfolk State University graduates have a $1,184 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($31,000 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($320 vs. $332).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (27% vs. 25%)

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.