Norfolk State University campus

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NSU Demographics & Diversity

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  • Norfolk, VA
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Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

Very Low

Racial Diversity Index: 24%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at NSU are mostly Black with a small White population. The school has very low racial diversity. 95% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

Norfolk State University is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) primarily serving the African-American community.

Racial demographics of Norfolk State University students
Race Percent of Students
White
5%
Black
84%
Hispanic
3%
Asian
1%
American Indian / Alaskan
0%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4%
International
0%
Race Unknown
3%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 44%

There are 105% more female students than male students enrolled at Norfolk State University with a gender ratio of 67% women to 33% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, NSU has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for Norfolk State University students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
33%
Women
67%
Enrollment by gender for Norfolk State University students
Gender Number of Students
Men
1,982
Women
4,071

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Very Low

Geographic Diversity Index: 21%

NSU draws 65 percent of students from Virginia, 2 percent from other states, and 15 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside Virginia, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for Norfolk State University students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
65%
Out of State
2%
Foreign
15%
Unknown Location
18%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$56,695 per year

73% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

6,053
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 28.1%
Part-time undergraduates 16.5%

Other Colleges to Consider

Students applying to Norfolk State University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=232937.

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026