Academic Comparison between NSU and W&L

Norfolk State University and Washington and Lee University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. NSU is a four-year, public school located in Norfolk, VA and W&L is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Lexington, 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 W&L is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • W&L has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,045) than NSU ($21,682).
  • It is harder to admit to W&L than NSU.
  • W&L has a higher submitted SAT score (915) than NSU (915).
  • W&L has higher submitted ACT score (19) than NSU (19).
  • NSU has more students with 6,053 students while W&L has 2,241 students.
  • W&L has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while NSU's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • W&L has more full-time faculties with 268 faculties while NSU has 220 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
NSU W&L
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Norfolk State Universityvs.Washington and Lee University
Norfolk, VirginiaLocationLexington, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor'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$68,045
91%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$12,969Average Amount of Financial Aid$58,158
87.77 %Acceptance Rates13.97 %
13.22 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)41.15 %
915SAT Score1,480
19ACT Score34
38 %Graduation Rate94 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
73 %Retention Rate97 %
6,053Student Population2,241
220Number of Faculties268
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesROTC, 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