NSU vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Salem University 19:1.

NSU vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Salem 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 Salem University ($9,124 vs. $10,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 27.5% lower than at Norfolk State University ($8,400 vs. $11,591).
• Salem University is 16.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $1,720 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.2% higher at NSU than at Salem University (about $9,782 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Norfolk State University (100% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 75.7% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($15,056 vs. $8,569).

NSU vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or Salem 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 Salem University and NSU.

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

NSU vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Salem 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).

• Norfolk State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $4,382 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($26,618 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($275 vs. $320).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (27% 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.