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    Norfolk State University

    nsu.edu Black Arrow Icon
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    Overview

    Norfolk State University is a public 4-year college located in Norfolk, Virginia. There are currently 5,328 undergraduates at Norfolk State and the school’s acceptance rate is 90%. The tuition at Norfolk State is $9,622 for in-state students and $20,790 for out-of-state.

    Norfolk State University
    University University
    Universities are larger institutions that typically contain multiple different schools for different subjects. Students at these schools will be connected to a large group of peers and have many resources at their fingertips.
    11 City
    Urban institutions typically offer more options when it comes to internships, jobs, community service, research positions, social lives, and more. However, some may find the city distracting, and the cost of living is typically higher.

    Student Body

    Undergraduate Students

    Undergraduate Students 5,328

    Pell Grant 63%

    Undergrad Students Over 25 16%

    Part-Time Undergrad Students 13%

    Percent Male / Female 33% / 67%

    Ethnic Diversity at Norfolk State

    85% Black

    6% Multiracial

    5% Hispanic

    2% White

    1% Unknown

    Academics Snapshot

    Student/Faculty Ratio

    Student/Faculty Ratio 18:1

    Graduation Rate

    Graduation Rate 40%

    Popular Majors

    Percent of Students

    Social Sciences

    12%

    12% of graduates

    Business, Management, & Marketing

    12%

    12% of graduates

    Health Professions & Related Programs

    10%

    10% of graduates

    Psychology

    9%

    9% of graduates

    Public Administration & Social Services

    8%

    8% of graduates

    Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.

    8%

    8% of graduates

    Biological & Biomedical Sciences

    8%

    8% of graduates

    Communications & Journalism

    7%

    7% of graduates

    Visual & Performing Arts

    6%

    6% of graduates

    Computer & Information Sciences

    4%

    4% of graduates

    Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies

    4%

    4% of graduates

    Engineering

    3%

    3% of graduates

    History

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Education

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Engineering

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Mathematics

    1%

    1% of graduates

    English Language & Literature

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Physical Sciences

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Show More

    Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot

    $26,710

    Sticker Price
    Sticker Price

    $22,301

    Average Annual Aid
    Average Annual Aid

    $15,577

    Average Annual Cost
    Average Annual Cost

    Cost Breakdown


    In-State
    Tuition
    $9,622
    Books & Supplies
    $1,750
    Room & Board
    $10,844
    Other
    $4,494

    In-State Estimated Cost:

    $26,710

    for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

    Out-of-State
    Tuition
    $20,790
    Books & Supplies
    $1,750
    Room & Board
    $10,844
    Other
    $4,494

    Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:

    $37,878

    for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

    Since Norfolk State is a public university, there are different costs for in-state students and out-of-state students. The sticker price at Norfolk State is $26,710 for in-state students in VA, and $37,878 for out-of-state students. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.


    It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.


    College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Norfolk State would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.

    Norfolk State University Financial Aid

    Students who are applying for financial aid at Norfolk State University need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.


    The FAFSA code for Norfolk State University is 003765.


    If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.

    Pell Grants at Norfolk State University

    69% of students at Norfolk State University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Norfolk State University.


    You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

    Outside Scholarships

    Norfolk State students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:


    Norfolk State University Financial Aid Resources

    If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Norfolk State or have questions that are specific to your personal situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!


    Here’s how you can get in touch:


    Admissions Snapshot

    90%

    Admission Rate

    18

    Average ACT

    916 is the median SAT score and 18 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Norfolk State. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.

    Is Norfolk State test-optional?

    Norfolk State University is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.

    What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Norfolk State University?

    Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Norfolk State University receive between a 15 and a 20 on their ACT, or a 795 and a 990 on their SAT.

    November
    15

    Early Action

    June
    15

    Regular Decision

    What is the application deadline at Norfolk State?

    Students must apply by June 15 to enroll at Norfolk State during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.


    And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Norfolk State, remember that the deadline is November 15.

    Should I apply Early Action at Norfolk State?

    Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.

    Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.

    Student Outcomes Snapshot


    Graduate Income

    Graduate Income $44,666

    Median Debt $29,000

    Debt 10 years after graduation $307

    Graduation Rate 40%

    What is the graduation rate at Norfolk State University?

    40% of students who start at Norfolk State University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 18% less than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

    How much do graduates of Norfolk State University go on to earn?

    10 years after starting school at Norfolk State University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $44,666. This is $5,725 less than the national median.


    Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.

    How much do students at Norfolk State take out in loans?

    Graduates of Norfolk State have to take out a median of $29,000 in federal student loans. This is $15,500 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.

    Data Sources

    We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

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