Skip to content

Mary Baldwin University vs Norfolk State University

Mary Baldwin University is a private university in Staunton, VA. Norfolk State University is a public university in Norfolk, VA. Mary Baldwin University admits about 87% of applicants and Norfolk State University about 88%, making Mary Baldwin University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,756 a year at Mary Baldwin University after aid, and about $15,282 at Norfolk State University. About 43% of students graduate at Mary Baldwin University, compared with 36% at Norfolk State University. Ten years after enrolling, Norfolk State University alumni earn a median of about $44,666, against $44,427 for Mary Baldwin University.

Mary Baldwin University

Staunton, VA · Private

Norfolk State University

Norfolk, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Staunton, VA
Norfolk, VA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,090
5,392
Acceptance rate
87%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.27–3.77
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1120
823–1030
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
16–22
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,756
$15,282
Full cost / yr
$45,935
$26,633
In-state tuition
$34,152
$10,180
Out-of-state tuition
$34,152
$21,682
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,717
$12,804
$30k - $48k
$9,527
$13,905
$48k - $75k
$11,537
$15,507
$75k - $110k
$14,801
$17,972
Over $110k
$14,806
$26,175
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
36%
Freshman retention
67%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,075
$33,412
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,427
$44,666
Median debt at graduation
$26,586
$29,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
55%
65%
First-generation students
40%
37%
International students
3%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
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 Mary Baldwin University or Norfolk State University harder to get into?
Mary Baldwin University is harder to get into. It admits about 87% of applicants, compared with 88% at Norfolk State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Mary Baldwin University or Norfolk State University?
Mary Baldwin University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,756 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,282 at Norfolk State University. 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 Mary Baldwin University and Norfolk State University?
Before aid, Norfolk State University costs about $26,633 a year and Mary Baldwin University about $45,935. 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, Mary Baldwin University or Norfolk State University?
Mary Baldwin University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,717 there, against about $12,804 at Norfolk State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Mary Baldwin University or Norfolk State University?
Norfolk State University is the larger of the two, with about 5,392 undergraduates against 1,090 at Mary Baldwin University.
Does Mary Baldwin University or Norfolk State University have a better graduation rate?
Mary Baldwin University has the higher graduation rate, at about 43% against 36% at Norfolk State University.
Do graduates of Mary Baldwin University 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 $44,427 for Mary Baldwin University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Mary Baldwin University and Norfolk State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Mary Baldwin University 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 Mary Baldwin University and Norfolk State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1120 at Mary Baldwin University and 823–1030 at Norfolk State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school