Jackson State University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Jackson State University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (6,326 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Jackson State University is located in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Jackson 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: Jackson State University 14:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Jackson State University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jackson State 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 Jackson State University ($9,124 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 19.2% lower than at Jackson State University ($11,591 vs. $14,341).
• Norfolk State University is 13.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jackson State University (about $1,215 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $8,965.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.2% higher at NSU than at Jackson State University (about $9,717 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Jackson State University than at Norfolk State University (89% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 79.5% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($15,056 vs. $8,386).

Jackson State University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Jackson State 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 Jackson State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Jackson State University (950) is 20 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming NSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Jackson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jackson State University 820/1070; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jackson State University 15/20; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jackson State University - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jackson State University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at NSU (2.9).
• Jackson State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.1%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.6% at Jackson State University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Jackson State University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jackson State 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).

• Jackson State 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 $3,900 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Jackson State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($29,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Jackson State University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($299 vs. $320).
• More Jackson State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (36% 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.