NSU vs. Bethany College

Comparable Facts

Compare Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA with Bethany College in Bethany, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Norfolk State University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Bethany College is in Bethany, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Bethany College 12:1.

NSU vs. Bethany College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Bethany College? 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 Bethany College ($9,124 vs. $19,035).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 12.3% lower than at Bethany College ($11,591 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 261.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $26,585 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.6% higher at Bethany College than at Norfolk State University (about $15,083 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany College than at Norfolk State University (100% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 110.2% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($31,646 vs. $15,056).

NSU vs. Bethany College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or Bethany College? 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 Bethany College and NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany College (990) is 60 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming Bethany College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 823/1030; Bethany College 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 16/22; Bethany College 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Bethany College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (2.9) than students at Bethany College (2.85).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Bethany College (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 27.3% at Bethany College.

NSU vs. Bethany College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Bethany College? 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).

• Bethany College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Bethany College earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany College graduates have a $116 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($30,884 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Bethany College graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($319 vs. $320).
• More Bethany College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.