SWOSU vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK 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 SWOSU based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 5,186 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southwestern Oklahoma State University is located in Weatherford, OK (Remote Town setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Southwestern Oklahoma 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: Southwestern Oklahoma State University 19:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

SWOSU vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SWOSU 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 SWOSU ($9,124 vs. $14,410).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwestern Oklahoma State University are 34.1% lower than at Norfolk State University ($7,634 vs. $11,591).
• Norfolk State University is 20.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than SWOSU (about $1,711 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $8,469.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 155.1% higher at NSU than at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (about $13,183 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $8,499.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwestern Oklahoma State University than at Norfolk State University (88% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 69.1% larger than aid received by Southwestern Oklahoma State University students ($15,056 vs. $8,906).

SWOSU vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SWOSU or NSU? 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 NSU and SWOSU.

• Incoming SWOSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (20 vs. 19 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresNorfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southwestern Oklahoma State University 18/23; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SWOSU - Not reported; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman SWOSU students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at NSU (2.9).

SWOSU vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SWOSU and NSU? 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.

• The graduation rate at SWOSU is the same as at Norfolk State University (33% vs. 33%).
• Graduates from Southwestern Oklahoma State University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduates have a $15,313 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($15,687 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, SWOSU graduates have an estimated $158 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($162 vs. $320).
• More SWOSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.