NSU Admission Requirements

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4 Year
Norfolk, VA
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#15 Best Public Universities in Virginia

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NSU Admission Overview

NSU admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year NSU admitted 87.8% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 2.9 GPA (B) and SAT 823-1030 / ACT 16-22. NSU is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

NSU is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.

Source: IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

NSU Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

87.8%

Admission Standards

Extremely Easy

Applicant Competition

Very Low

Low

Average

High

Very High

Extreme

Acceptance Rate

The NSU acceptance rate is 87.8%. Last year, 9,871 of 11,247 applicants were admitted. That is the 27th lowest acceptance rate in Virginia.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into NSU and can you get accepted?

NSU is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

Norfolk State University typically attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 2.9. 13% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

NSU GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

2.9

Typical High School Grades

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 2.9

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at NSU typically have around a 2.9 GPA (B) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have slightly below average high school grades. NSU is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

The school ranks #38 in Virginia for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 2.9 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

NSU SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

823-1030

Freshmen who sent SAT

25th Percentile Scores

Reading 430
Math 393
Composite 823

75th Percentile Scores

Reading 520
Math 510
Composite 1030

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at NSU typically score around a 930 SAT (middle 50% 823–1030) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 27th percentile nationally. NSU ranks #38 in the state of Virginia for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 823 to 1030

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

NSU is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 930 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at Norfolk State University
SAT Score (1600 scale)	Competitiveness	Admission Chances
1030+	Above 75th	>93%
930 to 1030	Avg +	88%-93%
823 to 930	Avg -	79%-88%
Below 823	Below mid-50	<79%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

NSU ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

16-22

Freshmen reporting ACT

25th Percentile Scores

English N/A
Math N/A
Composite 16

75th Percentile Scores

English N/A
Math N/A
Composite 22

Average ACT

Incoming testers at NSU typically have around a 19 ACT (mid-50 16–22) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 44th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. NSU places #31 among colleges in Virginia for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 16 to 22

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to NSU without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 19.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at Norfolk State University
ACT Score (36 scale)	Competitiveness	Admission Chances
22+	Above 75th	>93%
19 to 22	Avg +	88%-93%
16 to 19	Avg -	79%-88%
Below 16	Below mid-50	<79%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the NSU chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

Norfolk State University admission statistics
	Women	Men	Total
Applied	7,651	3,596	11,247
Accepted	6,819	3,052	9,871
Acceptance Rate	89%	85%	88%
Enrolled	893	412	1,305
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield)	13%	13%	13%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Norfolk State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Norfolk State University application requirements
Requirement	Used for Admission
Test Scores	Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA	Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank	Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program	Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations	Required to be considered for admission
Demonstration of Competencies	Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Applications Due

May 31, 2027

Days left to Apply

273

Applicants have 273 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on May 31, 2027.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Norfolk State University is $25.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Norfolk State University
Credit Type	Accepted
AP Credit	Yes
Dual Credit	Yes
Credit for Life Experiences	Yes

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

NSU is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 87.8% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 2.9 GPA (about an B average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (823-1030); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025