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Norfolk State University vs Roanoke College

Norfolk State University is a public university in Norfolk, VA. Roanoke College is a private college in Salem, VA. Roanoke College admits about 83% of applicants and Norfolk State University about 88%, making Roanoke College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,282 a year at Norfolk State University after aid, and about $24,503 at Roanoke College. About 67% of students graduate at Roanoke College, compared with 36% at Norfolk State University. Ten years after enrolling, Roanoke College alumni earn a median of about $58,047, against $44,666 for Norfolk State University.

Norfolk State University

Norfolk, VA · Public

Roanoke College

Salem, VA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Norfolk, VA
Salem, VA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,392
1,767
Acceptance rate
88%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
823–1030
1090–1300
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
24–31
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,282
$24,503
Full cost / yr
$26,633
$54,283
In-state tuition
$10,180
$38,068
Out-of-state tuition
$21,682
$38,068
Application fee
$25
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,804
$15,204
$30k - $48k
$13,905
$17,410
$48k - $75k
$15,507
$18,638
$75k - $110k
$17,972
$15,902
Over $110k
$26,175
$30,087
Outcomes
Graduation rate
36%
67%
Freshman retention
73%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,412
$45,330
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,666
$58,047
Median debt at graduation
$29,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
65%
24%
First-generation students
37%
21%
International students
7%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 15
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 Norfolk State University or Roanoke College harder to get into?
Roanoke College is harder to get into. It admits about 83% 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 Roanoke College?
Norfolk State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,282 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,503 at Roanoke 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 Roanoke College?
Before aid, Norfolk State University costs about $26,633 a year and Roanoke College about $54,283. 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 Roanoke College?
Norfolk State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,804 there, against about $15,204 at Roanoke 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 Roanoke College?
Norfolk State University is the larger of the two, with about 5,392 undergraduates against 1,767 at Roanoke College.
Does Norfolk State University or Roanoke College have a better graduation rate?
Roanoke College has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 36% at Norfolk State University.
Do graduates of Norfolk State University or Roanoke College earn more?
Roanoke College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,047 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 Roanoke College require SAT or ACT scores?
Norfolk State University requires SAT or ACT scores. Roanoke College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Norfolk State University and Roanoke College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 823–1030 at Norfolk State University and 1090–1300 at Roanoke College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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