Columbia College vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia 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 Columbia College based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbia College vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia 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 Columbia College ($9,124 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 19% lower than at Norfolk State University ($9,390 vs. $11,591).
• Columbia College is 118.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $12,034 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.5% higher at Columbia College than at Norfolk State University (about $532 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Norfolk State University (97% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 9.3% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($16,451 vs. $15,056).

Columbia College vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia College (1000) is 70 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming NSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 850/1140; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.66 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at NSU (2.9).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Columbia College vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $5,736 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($25,264 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($261 vs. $320).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (43% 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.