Norfolk State University vs Randolph-Macon College
Norfolk State University is a public university in Norfolk, VA, and Randolph-Macon College is a private college in Ashland, VA. Randolph-Macon College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 87% of applicants against 88% at Norfolk State University. Norfolk State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,282 a year against $27,866 at Randolph-Macon College. About 72% of students graduate at Randolph-Macon College, compared with 36% at Norfolk State University. Ten years after enrolling, Randolph-Macon College alumni earn a median of about $58,448, against $44,666 for Norfolk State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Norfolk, VA
Ashland, VA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,392
1,639
Acceptance rate
88%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
823–1030
980–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
21–27
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,282
$27,866
Full cost / yr
$26,633
$63,985
In-state tuition
$10,180
$49,466
Out-of-state tuition
$21,682
$49,466
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,804
$16,601
$30k - $48k
$13,905
$20,983
$48k - $75k
$15,507
$23,357
$75k - $110k
$17,972
$26,303
Over $110k
$26,175
$32,226
Outcomes
Graduation rate
36%
72%
Freshman retention
73%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,412
$48,067
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,666
$58,448
Median debt at graduation
$29,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
65%
20%
First-generation students
37%
23%
International students
7%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Oct 18
Regular decision
Mar 15
Mar 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.
- Is Norfolk State University or Randolph-Macon College harder to get into?
- Randolph-Macon College 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, Norfolk State University or Randolph-Macon College?
- Norfolk State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,282 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,866 at Randolph-Macon 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 Norfolk State University and Randolph-Macon College?
- Before aid, Norfolk State University costs about $26,633 a year and Randolph-Macon College about $63,985. 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 Randolph-Macon College?
- Norfolk State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,804 there, against about $16,601 at Randolph-Macon College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Norfolk State University or Randolph-Macon College?
- Norfolk State University is the larger of the two, with about 5,392 undergraduates against 1,639 at Randolph-Macon College.
- Does Norfolk State University or Randolph-Macon College have a better graduation rate?
- Randolph-Macon College has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 36% at Norfolk State University.
- Do graduates of Norfolk State University or Randolph-Macon College earn more?
- Randolph-Macon College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,448 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 Randolph-Macon College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Norfolk State University requires SAT or ACT scores. Randolph-Macon College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Norfolk State University and Randolph-Macon College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 823–1030 at Norfolk State University and 980–1220 at Randolph-Macon College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Norfolk State University vs William & MaryNorfolk State University vs Virginia State UniversityNorfolk State University vs Radford UniversityRandolph-Macon College vs Washington and Lee UniversityRandolph-Macon College vs University of RichmondRandolph-Macon College vs University of Virginia's College at Wise
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