Ferrum College vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA 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 Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferrum College is located in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferrum College 11:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Ferrum College vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferrum 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 Ferrum College ($9,124 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 12.4% lower than at Ferrum College ($11,591 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 180.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $18,340 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.5% higher at Ferrum College than at Norfolk State University (about $6,838 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferrum College than at Norfolk State University (98% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 128.8% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($34,444 vs. $15,056).

Ferrum College vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferrum College (990) is 60 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferrum College 880/1100; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferrum College - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ferrum College students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.14) than students at NSU (2.9).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Ferrum College vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Ferrum College vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferrum 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).

• Norfolk State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Ferrum College earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,000 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferrum College graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($28,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferrum College graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($289 vs. $320).
• More Ferrum College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.