Columbus State vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Columbus 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: Columbus State University 16:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Columbus State vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State 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 Columbus State ($9,124 vs. $12,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 1.1% lower than at Columbus State University ($11,591 vs. $11,720).
• Norfolk State University is 72.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $4,282 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.1% higher at NSU than at Columbus State University (about $4,072 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University than at Norfolk State University (89% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 67.2% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($15,056 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State 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 Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbus State University (930) is the same as at NSU (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 19) as students at NSU (19).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbus State students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.07) than students at NSU (2.9).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Columbus State vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State 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 Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $700 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($26,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($268 vs. $320).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (37% 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.