MBC vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, 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 MBC based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

MBC vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MBC 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 MBC ($9,124 vs. $17,810).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mary Baldwin University are 1.6% lower than at Norfolk State University ($11,411 vs. $11,591).
• Mary Baldwin University is 235.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $23,972 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.5% higher at MBC than at Norfolk State University (about $12,470 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at Norfolk State University (99% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 86.9% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($28,135 vs. $15,056).

MBC vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MBC 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 MBC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mary Baldwin University (1030) is 100 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming MBC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 940/1120; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 18/24; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MBC - Not reported; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MBC students have a 0.67 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at NSU (2.9).

MBC vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MBC 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).

• Mary Baldwin University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Mary Baldwin University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mary Baldwin University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, MBC graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More MBC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.