NSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA with Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Norfolk State University is larger than Potomac State College of West Virginia University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 1,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Potomac State College of West Virginia University is in Keyser, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Potomac State College of West Virginia University 13:1.

NSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University ($9,124 vs. $9,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 7.9% lower than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University ($11,591 vs. $12,580).
• Norfolk State University is 92.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $4,900 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $5,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.3% higher at NSU than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $8,482 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $13,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Potomac State College of West Virginia University than at Norfolk State University (90% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 118.5% larger than aid received by Potomac State College of West Virginia University students ($15,056 vs. $6,890).

NSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University and NSU.

• Potomac State College of West Virginia University 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; Potomac State College of West Virginia University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Potomac State College of West Virginia University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.06) than students at NSU (2.9).

NSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Potomac State College of West Virginia 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).

• Graduates from Potomac State College of West Virginia University earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have a $6,999 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($24,001 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($248 vs. $320).
• More Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.