NSU vs. Carolina University

Comparable Facts

Compare Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA with Carolina University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Norfolk State University is larger than Carolina University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 880 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Carolina University is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Midsize City setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carolina University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Carolina University 17:1.

NSU vs. Carolina University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Carolina 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 Carolina University ($9,124 vs. $20,412).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 6.5% lower than at Carolina University ($11,591 vs. $12,400).
• Carolina University is 72.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $7,395 more per year; $17,575.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.4% higher at NSU than at Carolina University (about $4,107 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $17,575.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carolina University than at Norfolk State University (100% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 26% larger than aid received by Carolina University students ($15,056 vs. $11,947).

NSU vs. Carolina University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or Carolina 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 Carolina University and NSU.

• 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; Carolina University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carolina University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.0) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Carolina University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 26.5% at Carolina University.

NSU vs. Carolina University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Carolina 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).

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.