Bemidji State University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN with Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Norfolk State University is larger than Bemidji State University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 4,072 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bemidji State University is located in Bemidji, MN (Remote Town setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Bemidji State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bemidji State University 18:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Bemidji State University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bemidji State University or NSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Norfolk State University than Bemidji State University ($9,124 vs. $14,859).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bemidji State University are 9.7% lower than at Norfolk State University ($10,462 vs. $11,591).
• Bemidji State University is 0.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $57 more per year; $10,237.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 111.8% higher at NSU than at Bemidji State University (about $11,445 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $10,237.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bemidji State University than at Norfolk State University (89% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 90.5% larger than aid received by Bemidji State University students ($15,056 vs. $7,904).

Bemidji State University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bemidji State University or NSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between NSU and Bemidji State University.

• Incoming Bemidji State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bemidji State University 19/24; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bemidji State University - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bemidji State University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Bemidji State University (56%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Bemidji State University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Bemidji State University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bemidji State University and NSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bemidji State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Bemidji State University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bemidji State University graduates have a $9,696 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($21,304 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Bemidji State University graduates have an estimated $100 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($220 vs. $320).
• More Bemidji State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 27%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.