NSU vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than West Liberty University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 2,299 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); West Liberty University is in West Liberty, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Liberty University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; West Liberty University 12:1.

NSU vs. West Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or West Liberty 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 West Liberty University ($9,124 vs. $13,655).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 8.9% lower than at West Liberty University ($11,591 vs. $12,728).
• Norfolk State University is 14.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Liberty University (about $1,287 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $8,893.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.3% higher at NSU than at West Liberty University (about $4,240 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $17,442.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Liberty University than at Norfolk State University (87% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 107.7% larger than aid received by West Liberty University students ($15,056 vs. $7,248).

NSU vs. West Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Liberty University (1010) is 80 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming West Liberty University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 823/1030; West Liberty University 890/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 16/22; West Liberty University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; West Liberty University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman West Liberty University students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at NSU (2.9).
• West Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 31.5% at West Liberty University.

NSU vs. West Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and West Liberty 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).

• West Liberty University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from West Liberty University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,900 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have a $6,383 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($24,617 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($254 vs. $320).
• More West Liberty University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.