Northern Michigan University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI with Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Michigan University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (7,409 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Michigan University is located in Marquette, MI (Remote Town setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Northern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Michigan University 18:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Northern Michigan University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Michigan University or NSU? 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 Northern Michigan University ($9,124 vs. $15,707).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 12.7% lower than at Northern Michigan University ($11,591 vs. $13,274).
• Northern Michigan University is 40.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $4,097 more per year; $14,277.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.7% higher at NSU than at Northern Michigan University (about $1,909 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $19,773.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Michigan University than at Norfolk State University (94% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 25.3% larger than aid received by Northern Michigan University students ($15,056 vs. $12,012).

Northern Michigan University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Michigan University or NSU? 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 NSU and Northern Michigan University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Michigan University - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northern Michigan University students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Northern Michigan University (84%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Northern Michigan University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Northern Michigan University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Michigan University and NSU? 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).

• Northern Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Northern Michigan University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have a $8,708 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($22,292 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have an estimated $90 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($230 vs. $320).
• More Northern Michigan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.