NSU vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

Radford University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Radford University 14:1.

NSU vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or RU? 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 RU ($9,124 vs. $16,749).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 7.3% lower than at Radford University ($11,591 vs. $12,504).
• Radford University is 23.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $2,368 more per year; $12,548.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.2% higher at RU than at Norfolk State University (about $3,951 more per year; $25,633.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Radford University than at Norfolk State University (94% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 26.8% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($15,056 vs. $11,870).

NSU vs. RU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Radford University (1050) is 120 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming RU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 823/1030; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 16/22; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; RU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RU students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at NSU (2.9).
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 14.4% at RU.

NSU vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and RU? 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).

• Radford University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($23,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($237 vs. $320).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.