TESC vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, NJ with Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Thomas Edison State University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (7,544 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Edison State University is located in Trenton, NJ (Small City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Thomas Edison 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: Thomas Edison State University 20:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

TESC vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, TESC or NSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Edison State University are 55.4% lower than at Norfolk State University ($5,170 vs. $11,591).
• Norfolk State University is 48.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than TESC (about $3,342 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $6,838.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 144.8% higher at NSU than at Thomas Edison State University (about $12,826 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $8,856.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Norfolk State University than at Thomas Edison State University (75% vs. 0%).

TESC vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, TESC 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 TESC.

• Thomas Edison State University 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: TESC - Open admission; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.

TESC vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for TESC 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).

• Graduates from Thomas Edison State University earn a median of about $21,100 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,800 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Edison State University graduates have a $20,250 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($10,750 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, TESC graduates have an estimated $209 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($111 vs. $320).
• More TESC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.