NSU vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

NSU vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Bluefield State University? 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 Bluefield State University ($9,124 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 0.7% lower than at Norfolk State University ($11,512 vs. $11,591).
• Bluefield State University is 4.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $468 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18% higher at NSU than at Bluefield State University (about $3,306 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Norfolk State University (97% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 53.4% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($15,056 vs. $9,814).

NSU vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or Bluefield State University? 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 Bluefield State University and NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluefield State University (980) is 50 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming NSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 19) as students at Bluefield State University (19).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 823/1030; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 16/22; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at NSU (2.9).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

NSU vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Bluefield State University? 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 Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $12,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($19,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($196 vs. $320).
• More Bluefield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (30% 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.