Marymount University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Marymount University in Arlington, 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 Marymount University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 4,060 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Marymount University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Marymount 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 Marymount University ($9,124 vs. $31,989).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 31.8% lower than at Marymount University ($11,591 vs. $17,000).
• Marymount University is 302% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $30,740 more per year; $40,920.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 88.7% higher at Marymount University than at Norfolk State University (about $19,238 more per year; $40,920.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marymount University than at Norfolk State University (96% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marymount University students is 73.1% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($26,069 vs. $15,056).

Marymount University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Marymount 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 Marymount University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marymount University (1070) is 140 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming Marymount University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 19 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Marymount University 970/1170; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Marymount University 20/28; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Marymount University - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marymount University students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at NSU (2.9).
• Marymount University has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.6% at Marymount University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Marymount University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Marymount 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).

• Marymount University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Marymount University earn a median of about $18,700 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marymount University graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($25,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Marymount University graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($258 vs. $320).
• More Marymount 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.