NSU vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than VSU based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 5,605 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

NSU vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or VSU? 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 VSU ($9,124 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 13.2% lower than at Virginia State University ($11,591 vs. $13,355).
• Norfolk State University is 1.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $137 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at VSU than at Norfolk State University (about $968 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia State University than at Norfolk State University (92% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 21% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($15,056 vs. $12,447).

NSU vs. VSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia State University (960) is 30 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming NSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 823/1030; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 16/22; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027; VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (2.9) than students at VSU (2.85).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 14.3% at VSU.

NSU vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and VSU? 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).

• Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates of Norfolk State University and VSU have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $36,700), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($29,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($305 vs. $320).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (28% 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.