WSC vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Wayne State College in Wayne, NE 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 WSC based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wayne State College is located in Wayne, NE (Rural Fringe setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Wayne State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wayne State College 19:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

WSC vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSC 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 WSC ($9,124 vs. $16,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wayne State College are 12.5% lower than at Norfolk State University ($10,142 vs. $11,591).
• Norfolk State University is 23.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSC (about $1,964 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $8,216.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 163.9% higher at NSU than at Wayne State College (about $13,466 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $8,216.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wayne State College than at Norfolk State University (95% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 131% larger than aid received by Wayne State College students ($15,056 vs. $6,517).

WSC vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSC 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 WSC.

• Wayne State College 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: WSC - Open admission; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WSC students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at NSU (2.9).

WSC vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSC 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).

• Wayne State College's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Wayne State College earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State College graduates have a $10,950 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($20,050 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, WSC graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($207 vs. $320).
• More WSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.