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Ferrum College vs Norfolk State University

Ferrum College is a private college in Ferrum, VA, and Norfolk State University is a public university in Norfolk, VA. Norfolk State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 88% of applicants against 89% at Ferrum College. Norfolk State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,282 a year against $20,082 at Ferrum College. About 36% of students graduate at Norfolk State University, compared with 30% at Ferrum College. Ten years after enrolling, Norfolk State University alumni earn a median of about $44,666, against $44,296 for Ferrum College.

Ferrum College

Ferrum, VA · Private

Norfolk State University

Norfolk, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Ferrum, VA
Norfolk, VA
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
699
5,392
Acceptance rate
89%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.18–3.68
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1100
823–1030
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
16–22
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,082
$15,282
Full cost / yr
$54,526
$26,633
In-state tuition
$28,520
$10,180
Out-of-state tuition
$28,520
$21,682
Application fee
$25
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,940
$12,804
$30k - $48k
$16,493
$13,905
$48k - $75k
$19,967
$15,507
$75k - $110k
$22,505
$17,972
Over $110k
$24,346
$26,175
Outcomes
Graduation rate
30%
36%
Freshman retention
64%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,418
$33,412
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,296
$44,666
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$29,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
65%
First-generation students
39%
37%
International students
1%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Mar 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Ferrum College or Norfolk State University harder to get into?
Norfolk State University is harder to get into. It admits about 88% of applicants, compared with 89% at Ferrum College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Ferrum College or Norfolk State University?
Norfolk State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,282 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,082 at Ferrum College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Ferrum College and Norfolk State University?
Before aid, Norfolk State University costs about $26,633 a year and Ferrum College about $54,526. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Ferrum College or Norfolk State University?
Norfolk State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,804 there, against about $16,940 at Ferrum College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Ferrum College or Norfolk State University?
Norfolk State University is the larger of the two, with about 5,392 undergraduates against 699 at Ferrum College.
Does Ferrum College or Norfolk State University have a better graduation rate?
Norfolk State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 36% against 30% at Ferrum College.
Do graduates of Ferrum College or Norfolk State University earn more?
Norfolk State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,666 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,296 for Ferrum College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Ferrum College and Norfolk State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Ferrum College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Norfolk State University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Ferrum College and Norfolk State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 880–1100 at Ferrum College and 823–1030 at Norfolk State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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