Claflin University vs. NSU

Claflin University and Norfolk State University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Claflin University
Norfolk State University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Claflin University (64.9% admitted vs 87.8%). Typical SAT 940 vs 930.
  • Cheaper after aid: NSU. Average net price is $9,124 vs $17,272 at Claflin University.
  • Graduation: Claflin University 40% vs NSU 33%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Claflin University $30,700 vs NSU $36,700 (median).
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Key differences

Claflin University Norfolk State University
Acceptance rate
Claflin University more selective
Claflin University64.9%
NSU87.8%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Claflin University higher
Claflin University840-1040
NSU823-1030
Average net price
NSU $8,148 less
Claflin University$17,272
NSU$9,124
In-state tuition
NSU $8,102 less
Claflin University$18,282
NSU$10,180
Out-of-state tuition
Claflin University $3,400 less
Claflin University$18,282
NSU$21,682
Graduation rate
Claflin University +7 pts
Claflin University40%
NSU33%
Median earnings (10 years)
NSU +$6,000
Claflin University$30,700
NSU$36,700

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • Claflin University 8,127
  • NSU 11,247
  • Admitted
  • Claflin University 5,277
  • NSU 9,871
  • Acceptance rate
  • Claflin University 64.9%
  • NSU 87.8%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Claflin University 7.3%
  • NSU 13.2%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Claflin University 940
  • NSU 930
  • Typical ACT score
  • Claflin University 17
  • NSU 19
  • Average high school GPA
  • Claflin University 3.28
  • NSU 2.9
  • Typical high school grades
  • Claflin University B+
  • NSU B
  • Admissions standards
  • Claflin University Extremely Easy
  • NSU Extremely Easy
  • Applicant competition
  • Claflin University Low
  • NSU
  • SAT range
  • Claflin University 840-1040
  • NSU 823-1030
  • ACT range
  • Claflin University 16-18
  • NSU 16-22
  • Submit test scores
  • Claflin University Test-free
  • NSU Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Claflin University
  • NSU May 31, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Claflin University $18,282
  • NSU $10,180
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Claflin University $18,282
  • NSU $21,682
  • Room & board
  • Claflin University $9,480
  • NSU $11,591
  • Average net price
  • Claflin University $17,272
  • NSU $9,124
  • Average grant aid
  • Claflin University $16,596
  • NSU $15,056
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Claflin University 98%
  • NSU 75%
  • Graduation rate
  • Claflin University 40%
  • NSU 33%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Claflin University $30,700
  • NSU $36,700
  • Making student loan payments
  • Claflin University 25%
  • NSU 27%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Claflin University $32,184
  • NSU $31,000
  • Median loan payment
  • Claflin University $332
  • NSU $320
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Claflin University 13:1
  • NSU 15:1
  • Popular majors
  • Claflin University
    • Business (29%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (19%)
    • Social Sciences (14%)
    • Biology (11%)
    • Communication (6%)
  • NSU
    • Health Professions (21%)
    • Business (16%)
    • Social Sciences (11%)
    • General Studies (10%)
    • Communication (7%)
  • Location
  • Claflin University Orangeburg, SC
  • NSU Norfolk, VA
  • Setting
  • Claflin University Distant Town
  • NSU Midsize City
  • Total enrollment
  • Claflin University 1,852
  • NSU 6,053
  • Type
  • Claflin University Private 4 Year
  • NSU Public 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Claflin University #979
  • NSU #988

Comparable Facts

Compare Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC with Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Norfolk State University is larger than Claflin University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 1,852 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Claflin University is located in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
  • Claflin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Claflin University 13:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 18.2% lower than at Norfolk State University ($9,480 vs. $11,591).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 18.6% higher at NSU than at Claflin University (about $3,400 more per year; $21,682 vs. $18,282).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Claflin University than at Norfolk State University (98% vs. 75%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Claflin University students is 10.2% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($16,596 vs. $15,056).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 2 points higher at NSU than at Claflin University (19 vs. 17, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Claflin University, test optional at NSU.
  • Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Claflin University average a 3.28 high school GPA, 0.38 higher than at NSU (2.9).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.3% at Claflin University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Norfolk State University graduates have a $1,184 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($31,000 vs. $32,184).
  • Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($320 vs. $332).
  • More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation (27% vs. 25%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

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