NSU vs. West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than West Virginia University at Parkersburg based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 2,728 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); West Virginia University at Parkersburg is in Parkersburg, WV (Small Suburban setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia University at Parkersburg is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; West Virginia University at Parkersburg 17:1.

NSU vs. West Virginia University at Parkersburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or West Virginia University at Parkersburg? 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 West Virginia University at Parkersburg than NSU ($1,948 vs. $9,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 20.3% lower than at West Virginia University at Parkersburg ($11,591 vs. $14,544).
• Norfolk State University is 120.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Virginia University at Parkersburg (about $5,568 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $4,612.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 137.6% higher at NSU than at West Virginia University at Parkersburg (about $12,558 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $9,124.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Virginia University at Parkersburg than at Norfolk State University (88% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 101.5% larger than aid received by West Virginia University at Parkersburg students ($15,056 vs. $7,472).

NSU vs. West Virginia University at Parkersburg Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or West Virginia University at Parkersburg? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between West Virginia University at Parkersburg and NSU.

• West Virginia University at Parkersburg reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; West Virginia University at Parkersburg - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.

NSU vs. West Virginia University at Parkersburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and West Virginia University at Parkersburg? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Norfolk State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than West Virginia University at Parkersburg's (31%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $31,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates have a $18,969 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($12,031 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates have an estimated $196 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($124 vs. $320).
• More West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (33% 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.