Norfolk State University
About Norfolk State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Norfolk State University is a public historically Black university in Norfolk, Virginia. It offers programs in engineering, business, nursing, and social work and has a strong tradition in music and the arts.
Founded
1935
Location
Norfolk, Virginia
Students
6,035
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
87.8%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
38.5%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$10,180
Out-of-state: $21,682
Avg Net Price
$15,282
After financial aid
SAT Average
927
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$44,666
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$25
Early
May 31
Regular
Rolling
Norfolk State University accepts the majority of applicants at 87.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
927/ 1600
ACT Scores
18/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
38.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
72.6%
4-Year Grad
16%
6-Year Grad
37%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
53.6%
$/Student
$13.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 16% graduation rate is below average, but 72.6% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,180
In-State
$21,682
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,591
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,633
After Financial Aid
$15,282
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,804
Receive Grants
65%
Take Loans
63.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $26,633/yr for in-state students, including $11,591 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $15,282. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $21,682.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Norfolk State University fund their education.
While in School
65%
Get Grants
Free money
63.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$26,072
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$29,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$307/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $29,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $45K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Norfolk State University.
Gender
67.5%
Female
33%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,392
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
643
Graduates
37.4%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
13.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 68% of the student body. 37.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 6.6% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
5,392
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Norfolk State University fields 8 varsity teams with 438 student athletes, about 8% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Mid-Eastern
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
438
8% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
65% / 35%
285
Men
153
Women
5
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Norfolk State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$44,666
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
—
112 grads
Business/Commerce, General
—
84 grads
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
—
62 grads
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
—
61 grads
Biology, General
—
56 grads
Social Work
—
56 grads
Graduates earn about $33K six years out, growing to $45K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Norfolk State University
What is the acceptance rate at Norfolk State University?▾
How much does Norfolk State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Norfolk State University?▾
How much do Norfolk State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.