UCO-Central vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, OK with Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Central Oklahoma is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (12,554 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Oklahoma is located in Edmond, OK (Large Suburban setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Central Oklahoma is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Oklahoma 18:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

UCO-Central vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UCO-Central 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 UCO-Central ($9,124 vs. $18,660).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Oklahoma are 16.3% lower than at Norfolk State University ($9,700 vs. $11,591).
• Norfolk State University is 15.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than UCO-Central (about $1,362 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $8,818.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10% higher at NSU than at University of Central Oklahoma (about $1,978 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $19,704.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Central Oklahoma than at Norfolk State University (81% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 110.5% larger than aid received by University of Central Oklahoma students ($15,056 vs. $7,152).

UCO-Central vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCO-Central 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 UCO-Central.

• Incoming UCO-Central students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at NSU).
• 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 students: University of Central Oklahoma 18/24; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCO-Central - Required; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UCO-Central students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than UCO-Central (78.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.9% at UCO-Central vs. 13.2% at NSU.

UCO-Central vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCO-Central 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).

• University of Central Oklahoma's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from University of Central Oklahoma earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Oklahoma graduates have a $10,607 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($20,393 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, UCO-Central graduates have an estimated $110 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($210 vs. $320).
• More UCO-Central 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.