South Carolina State University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC 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 South Carolina State University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 3,242 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• South Carolina State University is located in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: South Carolina State University 19:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

South Carolina State University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University ($9,124 vs. $17,965).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 22.4% lower than at Norfolk State University ($9,000 vs. $11,591).
• South Carolina State University is 8.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $880 more per year; $11,060.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.3% higher at South Carolina State University than at Norfolk State University (about $68 more per year; $21,750.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Carolina State University than at Norfolk State University (95% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 30% larger than aid received by South Carolina State University students ($15,056 vs. $11,579).

South Carolina State University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at South Carolina State University (930) is the same as at NSU (930).
• Incoming NSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at South Carolina State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Carolina State University 800/1050; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Carolina State University 15/19; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: South Carolina State University - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman South Carolina State University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than South Carolina State University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at South Carolina State University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

South Carolina State University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for South Carolina State 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).

• South Carolina State University's six-year graduation rate (35%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Norfolk State University graduates have a $2,205 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($31,000 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($320 vs. $343).
• More South Carolina State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (27% 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.