NSU vs. Old Dominion

Comparable Facts

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

Old Dominion University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (23,743 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

NSU vs. Old Dominion Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Old Dominion? 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 Old Dominion ($9,124 vs. $16,419).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 22.1% lower than at Old Dominion University ($11,591 vs. $14,878).
• Old Dominion University is 25.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $2,570 more per year; $12,750.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.8% higher at Old Dominion than at Norfolk State University (about $12,098 more per year; $33,780.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Old Dominion University than at Norfolk State University (94% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 28.2% larger than aid received by Old Dominion University students ($15,056 vs. $11,740).

NSU vs. Old Dominion Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or Old Dominion? 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 Old Dominion and NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Old Dominion University (1190) is 260 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming Old Dominion students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 19 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 823/1030; Old Dominion University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 16/22; Old Dominion University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Old Dominion - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027; Old Dominion Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Old Dominion students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at NSU (2.9).
• Old Dominion has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 19.9% at Old Dominion.

NSU vs. Old Dominion Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Old Dominion? 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).

• Old Dominion University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Old Dominion University earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Old Dominion University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($23,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Old Dominion graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($242 vs. $320).
• More Old Dominion graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.