Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Public4-yearHBCU

Norfolk State University

Norfolk, Virginia Β· City: MidsizeOfficial Website β†—

#3996
Nationally
#103
In Virginia
87%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$5,926
In-State Tuition
per year
33%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
5,510
Undergrad Enrollment
5,000–9,999
Overall Score & Rankings
39/100
Below Average
#3996 nationally
#103 in Virginia
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes33
πŸ’°Affordability50
🎯Selectivity40
πŸ“šAcademic Environment8
πŸ”¬Program Breadth70

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Norfolk State University, a historically Black college and university, is a public four-year university located in Norfolk, Virginia. With 5,510 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 87%, the institution is considered accessible. In-state tuition is $5,926 per year ($17,428 out-of-state), below average for public institutions. The six-year graduation rate is 33%, which is below average compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate87%↓ Below avg
National avg: 70%
10,211
Applied
8,931
Admitted
1,503
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading430 – 575
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math410 – 525
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)16 – 21
Cost & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition$5,926/yr
In-State Fees$3,984/yr
Out-of-State Tuition$17,428/yr
Room & Board$12,892/yr
Total CoA (In-State)$22,802/yr
Total CoA (Out-of-State)$34,304/yr
In-State Tuition vs National Avg$5,926↑ Above avg
National avg: $10,662
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate33%↓ Below avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
5,510
Total Undergrads
67% F / 33% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 2%
Hispanic 5%
Black 84%
Asian 0%
Two or more 6%
International 2%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Tuition ($5,926/yr) is well below the national average for public colleges
  • βœ“Open admissions policy (87% acceptance rate) β€” accessible to a wide range of students
  • βœ“Publicly funded institution β€” tuition subsidized by state taxes for in-state residents
Consider
  • Β·Graduation rate of 33% is below the national average β€” research completion support services
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students seeking an accessible path to a college degree, and in-state students who want a quality education at a subsidized cost.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPublic
LocationNorfolk, Virginia
SettingCity: Midsize
Size5,000–9,999
HBCUYes
State Ranking
#103
in Virginia out of 7+ colleges
#3996
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.