ECSU vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, NC 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 ECSU based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 2,258 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elizabeth City State University is located in Elizabeth City, NC (Distant Town setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Elizabeth City 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: Elizabeth City State University 19:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

ECSU vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECSU 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 Elizabeth City State University than NSU ($6,483 vs. $9,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 3.3% lower than at Elizabeth City State University ($11,591 vs. $11,986).
• Norfolk State University is 55.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECSU (about $3,644 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $6,536.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.8% higher at NSU than at Elizabeth City State University (about $11,146 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $10,536.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elizabeth City State University than at Norfolk State University (89% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 40.3% larger than aid received by Elizabeth City State University students ($15,056 vs. $10,732).

ECSU vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECSU 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 ECSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elizabeth City State University (1000) is 70 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming ECSU 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: Elizabeth City State University 920/1080; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elizabeth City State University 16/22; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECSU - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ECSU Jun 30, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ECSU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.16) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than ECSU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12% at ECSU vs. 13.2% at NSU.

ECSU vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECSU 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).

• Elizabeth City State University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than ECSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elizabeth City State University graduates have a $4,875 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($26,125 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, ECSU graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($270 vs. $320).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECSU students, three years after graduation. (27% vs. 23%)

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.