Jackson State University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Jackson State University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (6,326 students vs. 6,053 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Jackson State University is located in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Jackson 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: Jackson State University 14:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 19.2% lower than at Jackson State University ($11,591 vs. $14,341).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.2% higher at NSU than at Jackson State University (about $9,717 more per year; $21,682 vs. $11,965).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Jackson State University than at Norfolk State University (89% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 79.5% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($15,056 vs. $8,386).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 2 points higher at NSU than at Jackson State University (19 vs. 17, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Jackson State University and NSU.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Jackson State University average a 3.1 high school GPA, 0.2 higher than at NSU (2.9).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6.6% at Jackson State University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Jackson State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($29,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Jackson State University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($299 vs. $320).
• More Jackson State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation (36% vs. 27%).

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