Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 2,256 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lenoir Rhyne University is located in Hickory, NC (Small City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($9,124 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 13.5% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($11,591 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 213.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $21,720 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.1% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Norfolk State University (about $10,218 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Norfolk State University (100% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 55.9% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($23,467 vs. $15,056).

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk 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: Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lenoir-Rhyne University students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Lenoir-Rhyne University (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lenoir-Rhyne 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).

• Lenoir Rhyne University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lenoir Rhyne University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.