Livingstone College vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Livingstone College in Salisbury, 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 Livingstone College based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Livingstone College is located in Salisbury, NC (Distant Town setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Livingstone College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Livingstone College 14:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Livingstone College vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Livingstone 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 Livingstone College ($9,124 vs. $12,826).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Livingstone College are 41.4% lower than at Norfolk State University ($6,794 vs. $11,591).
• Livingstone College is 79.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $8,116 more per year; $18,296.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.5% higher at NSU than at Livingstone College (about $3,386 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $18,296.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Livingstone College than at Norfolk State University (99% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Livingstone College students is 2.8% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($15,485 vs. $15,056).

Livingstone College vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Norfolk State University (930) is 50 points higher than at Livingstone College (880).
• Incoming NSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Livingstone College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Livingstone College 800/960; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Livingstone College 14/21; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Livingstone College - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (2.9) than students at Livingstone College (2.64).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Livingstone College (59.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.6% at Livingstone College vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Livingstone College vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Livingstone 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 Livingstone College's (28%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than Livingstone College graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $24,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Norfolk State University graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than Livingstone College graduates ($31,000 vs. $42,000).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $114 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Livingstone College graduates ($320 vs. $434).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Livingstone College students, three years after graduation. (27% vs. 13%)

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.