Southern University and A & M College vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, LA with Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern University and A & M College is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (7,452 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern University and A & M College is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Midsize City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Southern University and A & M College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern University and A & M College 21:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Southern University and A & M College vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern University and A & M 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 Southern University and A & M College ($9,124 vs. $18,353).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern University and A & M College are 30.8% lower than at Norfolk State University ($8,018 vs. $11,591).
• Norfolk State University is 2.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern University and A & M College (about $258 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $9,922.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.5% higher at NSU than at Southern University and A & M College (about $4,410 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $17,272.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern University and A & M College than at Norfolk State University (90% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 89.5% larger than aid received by Southern University and A & M College students ($15,056 vs. $7,945).

Southern University and A & M College vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern University and A & M 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 Southern University and A & M College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Norfolk State University (930) is 20 points higher than at Southern University and A & M College (910).
• Incoming NSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Southern University and A & M College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern University and A & M College 790/1020; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern University and A & M College 15/19; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern University and A & M College - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern University and A & M College Aug 1, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southern University and A & M College students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Southern University and A & M College (35.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at Southern University and A & M College vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Southern University and A & M College vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern University and A & M 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 Southern University and A & M College's (19%).
• Graduates from Southern University and A & M College earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,000 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern University and A & M College graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($30,750 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern University and A & M College graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($317 vs. $320).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern University and A & M College students, three years after graduation. (27% vs. 25%)

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.