JCSU vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte, 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 JCSU based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 1,302 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Johnson C Smith University is located in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Johnson C Smith University 12:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

JCSU vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCSU 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 JCSU ($9,124 vs. $19,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 25.8% lower than at Norfolk State University ($8,600 vs. $11,591).
• Johnson C Smith University is 109.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $11,120 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at NSU than at Johnson C Smith University (about $382 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson C Smith University than at Norfolk State University (93% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson C Smith University students is 1.2% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($15,238 vs. $15,056).

JCSU vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCSU 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 JCSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Norfolk State University (930) is 40 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming NSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 15 at JCSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 800/980; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 13/18; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCSU - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (2.9) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at JCSU vs. 13.2% at NSU.

JCSU vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCSU 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).

• Johnson C Smith University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Norfolk State University graduates have a $1,050 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($31,000 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($320 vs. $331).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (27% vs. 26%)

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.