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Norfolk State University vs Radford University

Norfolk State University is a public university in Norfolk, VA, and Radford University is a public university in Radford, VA. Norfolk State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 88% of applicants against 90% at Radford University. Radford University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,578 a year against $15,282 at Norfolk State University. About 49% of students graduate at Radford University, compared with 36% at Norfolk State University. Ten years after enrolling, Radford University alumni earn a median of about $53,739, against $44,666 for Norfolk State University.

Norfolk State University

Norfolk, VA · Public

Radford University

Radford, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Norfolk, VA
Radford, VA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,392
6,038
Acceptance rate
88%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
823–1030
940–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
19–26
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,282
$14,578
Full cost / yr
$26,633
$28,405
In-state tuition
$10,180
$12,548
Out-of-state tuition
$21,682
$25,633
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,804
$8,965
$30k - $48k
$13,905
$8,724
$48k - $75k
$15,507
$12,069
$75k - $110k
$17,972
$17,092
Over $110k
$26,175
$23,533
Outcomes
Graduation rate
36%
49%
Freshman retention
73%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,412
$44,830
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,666
$53,739
Median debt at graduation
$29,000
$24,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
65%
37%
First-generation students
37%
31%
International students
7%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Mar 15
Feb 1

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 Norfolk State University or Radford University harder to get into?
Norfolk State University is harder to get into. It admits about 88% of applicants, compared with 90% at Radford 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, Norfolk State University or Radford University?
Radford University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,578 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 Norfolk State University and Radford University?
Before aid, Norfolk State University costs about $26,633 a year and Radford University about $28,405. 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, Norfolk State University or Radford University?
Radford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,965 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, Norfolk State University or Radford University?
Radford University is the larger of the two, with about 6,038 undergraduates against 5,392 at Norfolk State University.
Does Norfolk State University or Radford University have a better graduation rate?
Radford University has the higher graduation rate, at about 49% against 36% at Norfolk State University.
Do graduates of Norfolk State University or Radford University earn more?
Radford University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,739 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,666 for Norfolk State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Norfolk State University and Radford University require SAT or ACT scores?
Norfolk State University requires SAT or ACT scores. Radford University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Norfolk State University and Radford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 823–1030 at Norfolk State University and 940–1160 at Radford University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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