NSU vs. OC

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than OC based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 5,784 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Olympic College is in Bremerton, WA (Small City setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Olympic College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Olympic College 17:1.

NSU vs. OC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or OC? 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 Olympic College than NSU ($8,157 vs. $9,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Olympic College are 9.4% lower than at Norfolk State University ($10,500 vs. $11,591).
• Norfolk State University is 142.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than OC (about $5,983 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $4,197.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 122.6% higher at NSU than at Olympic College (about $11,942 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $9,740.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Norfolk State University than at Olympic College (75% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 114.9% larger than aid received by Olympic College students ($15,056 vs. $7,007).

NSU vs. OC Admissions comparison

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

• Olympic 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; OC - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.

NSU vs. OC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and OC? 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).

• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $900 more per year than OC graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $35,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Olympic College graduates have a $19,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($12,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, OC graduates have an estimated $196 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($124 vs. $320).
• More OC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (39% 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.