NSU Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 87.77%. Not very selective
- SAT Average: 915. Below average SAT scores, indicating a less competitive applicant pool.
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $10,180
- Out-of-State Tuition: $21,682
- In-state tuition is affordable, while out-of-state tuition is higher, as is typical for public institutions.
Student Population at NSU:
- Total Enrollment: 6,053, including 693 online students
- 5,410 Undergraduate, 643 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 32.7% men, 67.3% women.
- This is a lower medium-sized institution, balancing resources and a sense of community.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 38%. Lower graduation rate, which may reflect challenges in student retention or completion.
- Transfer-Out Rate: 1%. Few students transfer out, suggesting most students remain through graduation.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 73%. Good retention, typical for many institutions.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 56 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 2 programs available fully online.
- Graduate Programs: 18 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.
NSU Overview
Norfolk State University (NSU) is a four-year, public school located in Norfolk, VA. It is a historically black college/university. Norfolk State University was newly reclassified as an Research College/University (Master's College and University (medium programs)) in 2025 due to changes in its research activities and doctoral program offerings.
The NSU's tuition & fees is $10,180 for Virginia residents and $21,682 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 91% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $12,969.
The school has a total enrollment of 6,053 and the students to faculty ratio is 15 to 1 (6.67%).
NSU's acceptance rate is 87.77% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 13.22%. The median SAT score is 915 and the ACT score is 19.
NSU ranked 29th in Virginia Colleges rankings. Norfolk State University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Norfolk State University is $10,180 for in-state students and $21,682 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $13,412 for in-state students and $25,826 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $10,457 for Virginia residents and $21,955 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $13,765 for Virginia residents and $26,175 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $10,180 | $21,682 |
|---|
| Graduate | $13,412 | $25,826 |
|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $10,457 | $21,955 |
|---|
| Graduate | $13,765 | $26,175 |
|---|
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
Norfolk State University offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at NSU
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | Army, NAVY |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | No |
|---|
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
|---|
| Study Abroad | Yes |
|---|
| On-Campus Services |
|---|
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
|---|
| Employment services for students | Yes |
|---|
| Placement services for completers | Yes |
|---|
| On-campus day care for students' children | Yes |
|---|
Norfolk State University Directory Information
Tools for analyzing and comparing NSU