NSU vs. Penn College

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than Penn College based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 4,575 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Pennsylvania College of Technology is in Williamsport, PA (Small City setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Pennsylvania College of Technology is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Pennsylvania College of Technology 14:1.

NSU vs. Penn College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Penn College? 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 Penn College ($9,124 vs. $23,675).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 9.6% lower than at Pennsylvania College of Technology ($11,591 vs. $12,818).
• Pennsylvania College of Technology is 79.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $8,060 more per year; $18,240.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.8% higher at Penn College than at Norfolk State University (about $4,298 more per year; $25,980.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Norfolk State University than at Pennsylvania College of Technology (75% vs. 68%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 68% larger than aid received by Pennsylvania College of Technology students ($15,056 vs. $8,964).

NSU vs. Penn College Admissions comparison

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

• Pennsylvania College of 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; Penn College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn College students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.05) than students at NSU (2.9).

NSU vs. Penn College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Penn College? 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).

• Pennsylvania College of Technology's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Pennsylvania College of Technology earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pennsylvania College of Technology graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($21,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn College graduates have an estimated $98 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($222 vs. $320).
• More Penn College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.