DSC vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Dalton State College in Dalton, GA 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 DSC based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 5,135 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dalton State College is located in Dalton, GA (Small City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Dalton State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dalton State College 21:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

DSC vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DSC 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 Dalton State College than NSU ($5,625 vs. $9,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dalton State College are 10.1% lower than at Norfolk State University ($10,419 vs. $11,591).
• Norfolk State University is 205.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than DSC (about $6,844 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $3,336.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 103.5% higher at NSU than at Dalton State College (about $11,026 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $10,656.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dalton State College than at Norfolk State University (92% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 126.3% larger than aid received by Dalton State College students ($15,056 vs. $6,654).

DSC vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DSC 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 DSC.

• Dalton State College reports an open admissions policy.
• 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 studentsNorfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DSC - Open admission; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DSC Jul 1, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DSC students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.1) than students at NSU (2.9).

DSC vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DSC 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).

• Norfolk State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Dalton State College's (16%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than DSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $32,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dalton State College graduates have a $16,113 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($14,887 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, DSC graduates have an estimated $167 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($153 vs. $320).
• More DSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.