Academic Comparison between NSU and Sweet Briar

Norfolk State University and Sweet Briar College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. NSU is a four-year, public school located in Norfolk, VA and Sweet Briar is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Sweet Briar, VA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • NSU is a public and Sweet Briar is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Sweet Briar has more expensive tuition & fees ($26,160) than NSU ($21,682).
  • It is harder to admit to Sweet Briar than NSU.
  • Sweet Briar has a higher submitted SAT score (915) than NSU (915).
  • NSU has more students with 6,053 students while Sweet Briar has 444 students.
  • Sweet Briar has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while NSU's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • NSU has more full-time faculties with 220 faculties while Sweet Briar has 49 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Norfolk State Universityvs.Sweet Briar College
Norfolk, VirginiaLocationSweet Briar, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$10,180
Out-Of-State$21,682
2025 Tuition & Fees$26,160
91%% Receiving Financial Aid99%
$12,969Average Amount of Financial Aid$21,233
87.77 %Acceptance Rates75.54 %
13.22 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.25 %
915SAT Score1,230
19ACT Score-
38 %Graduation Rate52 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate31 %
73 %Retention Rate69 %
6,053Student Population444
220Number of Faculties49
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services