NSU vs. Ascent College

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than Ascent College based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 83 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Ascent College is in Gainesville, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ascent College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Ascent College 8:1.

NSU vs. Ascent College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Ascent College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 3.1% lower than at Ascent College ($11,591 vs. $11,960).
• Norfolk State University is 19.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ascent College (about $1,630 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $8,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 153.6% higher at NSU than at Ascent College (about $13,132 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $8,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Norfolk State University than at Ascent College (75% vs. 0%).

NSU vs. Ascent College Admissions comparison

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

• Ascent College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Ascent College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.

NSU vs. Ascent College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Ascent 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).

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.