NSU vs. Carolina University

Comparable Facts

Compare Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA with Carolina University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Norfolk State University is larger than Carolina University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 880 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Carolina University is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Midsize City setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carolina University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Carolina University 17:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 6.5% lower than at Carolina University ($11,591 vs. $12,400).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.4% higher at NSU than at Carolina University (about $4,107 more per year; $21,682 vs. $17,575).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carolina University than at Norfolk State University (100% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 26% larger than aid received by Carolina University students ($15,056 vs. $11,947).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at NSU, test-free at Carolina University.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Carolina University average a 3.0 high school GPA, 0.1 higher than at NSU (2.9).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 26.5% at Carolina University.

Loans and repayment

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