NSU vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Comparable Facts

Compare Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Harrisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Norfolk State University is larger than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 3,650 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is in Harrisburg, PA (Small City setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 18:1.

NSU vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology ($9,124 vs. $15,984).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology are 4.8% lower than at Norfolk State University ($11,040 vs. $11,591).
• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is 139.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $14,220 more per year; $24,400.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.5% higher at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology than at Norfolk State University (about $2,718 more per year; $24,400.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology than at Norfolk State University (99% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students is 30.9% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($19,706 vs. $15,056).

NSU vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology and NSU.

• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 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; Harrisburg University of Science and Technology - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (87.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 9.6% at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

NSU vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology's (9%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($26,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($274 vs. $320).
• More Harrisburg University of Science and Technology graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (43% 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.