UMES vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, MD 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 UMES based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 3,177 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Maryland Eastern Shore is located in Princess Anne, MD (Distant Town setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore 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 Maryland Eastern Shore 11:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

UMES vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UMES 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 UMES ($9,124 vs. $13,311).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Maryland Eastern Shore are 2.1% lower than at Norfolk State University ($11,351 vs. $11,591).
• Norfolk State University is 12.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than UMES (about $1,104 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $9,076.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.8% higher at NSU than at University of Maryland Eastern Shore (about $1,560 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $20,122.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Maryland Eastern Shore than at Norfolk State University (98% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 18.3% larger than aid received by University of Maryland Eastern Shore students ($15,056 vs. $12,728).

UMES vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UMES 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 UMES.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Maryland Eastern Shore (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 UMES).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Maryland Eastern Shore 840/1010; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Maryland Eastern Shore 16/19; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UMES - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UMES Jun 1, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UMES students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.07) than students at NSU (2.9).
• UMES has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.6% at UMES vs. 13.2% at NSU.

UMES vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UMES 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 University of Maryland Eastern Shore's (31%).
• Graduates from University of Maryland Eastern Shore earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, UMES graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UMES students, three years after graduation. (27% vs. 23%)

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.