Overview
Enrollment
Norfolk State University (NSU) is a public historically black university located in Norfolk, Virginia, with origins dating back to 1935. The urban campus, predominantly characterized by modernist architecture, stretches over 134 acres within a more extensive 255-acre tract and lies in proximity to the cultural and economic hub of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. NSU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its eight schools and colleges, with a particular emphasis on STEM fields, social work, and business. The university is moderately selective, catering to a diverse student body and providing various on-campus housing options to accommodate its students. While NSU hosts a variety of extracurricular activities, the institution is noted for its contribution to research and public service rather than athletic prowess. Its strong academic programs are complemented by a commitment to providing accessible education, often to first-generation college students and those from underserved communities.
In the most recent statistical year 8,884 prospective students applied, and 7,951 were granted admission. Of those admitted 1,300 enrolled in the school. 4,894 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 889 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $5,752 plus fees of $3,870. NSU is ranked 1008 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
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Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
NSU is rated within the lower 21% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 3 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Norfolk State University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#1008 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#424 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#31 in Best Colleges in Virginia
#15 in Best Public Colleges in Virginia
#41 in Best Value Colleges in Virginia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 840/1040 |
| ACT | 15/20 |
| GPA | 2.9 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | May 31, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Virginia Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,750 |
| Other Fees | $3,870 |
| Room and Board | $10,844 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,494 |
| Total One Year Cost | $26,710 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,750 |
| Other Fees | $3,870 |
| Room and Board | $10,844 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,494 |
| Total One Year Cost | $37,878 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Health Professions | 21% |
| Business | 16% |
| Social Sciences | 11% |
| General Studies | 10% |
| Communication | 7% |
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Students considering NSU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Norfolk State University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=232937 IPEDS survey data for Norfolk State University.
Current students may use the Norfolk State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024