ISU vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Idaho State University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (13,061 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Idaho State University is located in Pocatello, ID (Small City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Idaho 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: Idaho State University 14:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

ISU vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 ISU ($9,124 vs. $12,174).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Idaho State University are 32% lower than at Norfolk State University ($7,882 vs. $11,591).
• Norfolk State University is 18.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $1,570 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $8,610.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.8% higher at ISU than at Norfolk State University (about $6,038 more per year; $27,720.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Idaho State University than at Norfolk State University (91% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 63.4% larger than aid received by Idaho State University students ($15,056 vs. $9,217).

ISU vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• Idaho State University 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: ISU - Open admission; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at NSU (2.9).

ISU vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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 Idaho State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Idaho State University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Idaho State University graduates have a $8,050 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($22,950 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($237 vs. $320).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.