Peirce College vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Peirce College in Philadelphia, PA with Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Norfolk State University is larger than Peirce College based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 929 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Peirce College vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Peirce College 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 Peirce College ($9,124 vs. $13,290).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Peirce College are 24.1% lower than at Norfolk State University ($8,800 vs. $11,591).
• Peirce College is 47.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $4,880 more per year; $15,060.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44% higher at NSU than at Peirce College (about $6,622 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $15,060.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Peirce College than at Norfolk State University (100% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 180.4% larger than aid received by Peirce College students ($15,056 vs. $5,370).

Peirce College vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Peirce College 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 Peirce College.

• Peirce College reports an open admissions policy.
• 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: Peirce College - Open admission; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.

Peirce College vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Peirce College 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).

• Norfolk State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Peirce College's (27%).
• Graduates from Peirce College earn a median of about $15,100 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Norfolk State University graduates have a $5,125 lower median loan debt than Peirce College graduates ($31,000 vs. $36,125).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Peirce College graduates ($320 vs. $373).
• More Peirce College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (32% 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.