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Norfolk State University

Norfolk State; NSU

Norfolk, Virginia 23504-8000

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Known for psychology — excellent value

Norfolk State University is a public institution in Norfolk with particular strength in psychology and business. With an average SAT of 980, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 5.5K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

33% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $44,666 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $12,973.

Established
1935
Motto
On seal: "Achievement, Citizenship""We See the Future in You"
Mascot
Spiro the Spartan
Type
Public historically black university
Conference
Eastern
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

30 upcoming visits · Next: Sat, Apr 11 · Campus Tour
87%Acceptance
980SAT Avg
5,495Students
18:1Student:Faculty
33%Grad Rate
$44,666Earnings 10yr
$12,973Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Norfolk State University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate87.5%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 980

Reading & WritingMid: 497
430575
MathMid: 475
410525

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 18
1621

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

87.5%

Trend

SAT Avg

980

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$9,910
Tuition (out-of-state)$21,412
Room & Board$11,692
Books & Supplies$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance$26,093
Average Net Price$12,973
Median Debt at Graduation$29,000
Monthly Payment (10yr)$307

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$11,099
$30–48K$12,836
$48–75K$13,868
$75–110K$14,235
$110K+$18,020

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$12,973

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

4200.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$17,277

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

41

Peer Average

37

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Programs (48)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
5,495
Gender Split
67% / 33%
Women / Men
First Generation
37%
Pell Grant Recipients
62%

Race & Ethnicity

White 2%
Black 84%
Hispanic 5%
Two+ 6%
Int'l 2%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate32.7%
Freshman Retention72.0%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$33,412
8 Years$40,645
10 Years$44,666

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$38,000
Men
$40,000

Rankings

U.S. News
#45
Forbes
#52

More About This School

Varsity Sports

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

111High

Estimated from VA state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 5"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Washingtonpop. 690K
148 mi(257 min)
Raleighpop. 470K
152 mi(263 min)
Baltimorepop. 570K
170 mi(295 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Norfolk State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications