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Norfolk State University vs Virginia State University

Norfolk State University is a public university in Norfolk, VA, and Virginia State University is a public university in Petersburg, VA. Norfolk State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 88% of applicants against 89% at Virginia State University. Norfolk State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,282 a year against $15,840 at Virginia State University. About 40% of students graduate at Virginia State University, compared with 36% at Norfolk State University. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia State University alumni earn a median of about $45,543, against $44,666 for Norfolk State University.

Norfolk State University

Norfolk, VA · Public

Virginia State University

Petersburg, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Norfolk, VA
Petersburg, VA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,392
5,074
Acceptance rate
88%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
823–1030
840–1070
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
14–20
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,282
$15,840
Full cost / yr
$26,633
$27,661
In-state tuition
$10,180
$10,043
Out-of-state tuition
$21,682
$22,650
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,804
$13,220
$30k - $48k
$13,905
$14,758
$48k - $75k
$15,507
$19,463
$75k - $110k
$17,972
$22,223
Over $110k
$26,175
$25,508
Outcomes
Graduation rate
36%
40%
Freshman retention
73%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,412
$33,630
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,666
$45,543
Median debt at graduation
$29,000
$26,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
65%
72%
First-generation students
37%
34%
International students
7%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 15
Rolling

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 Virginia State University harder to get into?
Norfolk State University is harder to get into. It admits about 88% of applicants, compared with 89% at Virginia 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 Virginia State University?
Norfolk State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,282 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,840 at Virginia 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 Virginia State University?
Before aid, Norfolk State University costs about $26,633 a year and Virginia State University about $27,661. 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 Virginia State University?
Norfolk State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,804 there, against about $13,220 at Virginia 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 Virginia State University?
Norfolk State University is the larger of the two, with about 5,392 undergraduates against 5,074 at Virginia State University.
Does Norfolk State University or Virginia State University have a better graduation rate?
Virginia State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 40% against 36% at Norfolk State University.
Do graduates of Norfolk State University or Virginia State University earn more?
Virginia State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,543 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 Virginia State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Norfolk State University requires SAT or ACT scores. Virginia State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Norfolk State University and Virginia State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 823–1030 at Norfolk State University and 840–1070 at Virginia State 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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