NSU vs. Randolph-Macon

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than Randolph-Macon based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 1,687 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Randolph Macon College is in Ashland, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Randolph Macon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Randolph Macon College 11:1.

NSU vs. Randolph-Macon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Randolph-Macon? 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 Randolph-Macon ($9,124 vs. $28,912).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 20.3% lower than at Randolph Macon College ($11,591 vs. $14,540).
• Randolph Macon College is 385.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $39,286 more per year; $49,466.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 128.1% higher at Randolph-Macon than at Norfolk State University (about $27,784 more per year; $49,466.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Randolph Macon College than at Norfolk State University (100% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Randolph Macon College students is 132.3% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($34,972 vs. $15,056).

NSU vs. Randolph-Macon Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or Randolph-Macon? 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 Randolph-Macon and NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Randolph Macon College (1100) is 170 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming Randolph-Macon students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 19 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 823/1030; Randolph Macon College 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 16/22; Randolph Macon College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Randolph-Macon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027; Randolph-Macon Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Randolph-Macon students have a 0.8 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Randolph-Macon (86.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 18.9% at Randolph-Macon.

NSU vs. Randolph-Macon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Randolph-Macon? 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).

• Randolph Macon College's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Randolph Macon College 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, Randolph Macon College graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Randolph-Macon graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More Randolph-Macon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.