Metropolitan State University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN with Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Metropolitan State University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (6,660 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Metropolitan State University is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Metropolitan State University 15:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Metropolitan State University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University ($9,124 vs. $16,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 26.9% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($11,591 vs. $15,864).
• Norfolk State University is 3.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $340 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 120.3% higher at NSU than at Metropolitan State University (about $11,842 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Metropolitan State University than at Norfolk State University (82% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 76.3% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($15,056 vs. $8,538).

Metropolitan State University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State 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: Metropolitan State University - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Metropolitan State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.8% at Metropolitan State University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Metropolitan State University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Metropolitan State 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).

• Norfolk State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $13,008 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($17,992 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $134 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($186 vs. $320).
• More Metropolitan State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.