NSU vs. Virginia Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than Virginia Union University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 1,646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Virginia Union University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Virginia Union University 16:1.

NSU vs. Virginia Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University ($9,124 vs. $11,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Union University are 5% lower than at Norfolk State University ($11,016 vs. $11,591).
• Virginia Union University is 71.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $7,270 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.3% higher at NSU than at Virginia Union University (about $4,232 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Union University than at Norfolk State University (88% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Union University students is 16.4% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($17,524 vs. $15,056).

NSU vs. Virginia Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Norfolk State University (930) is 60 points higher than at Virginia Union University (870).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 823/1030; Virginia Union University 850/885.
• 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; Virginia Union University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (2.9) than students at Virginia Union University (2.71).
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 14.3% at Virginia Union University.

NSU vs. Virginia Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University's (29%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Virginia Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Norfolk State University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($31,000 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($320 vs. $348).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (27% vs. 19%)

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.