NSU vs. CBC

Comparable Facts

Compare Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA with Columbia Basin College in Pasco, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia Basin College is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (7,510 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Columbia Basin College is in Pasco, WA (Small City setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia Basin College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Columbia Basin College 20:1.

NSU vs. CBC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU or CBC? 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 CBC ($9,124 vs. $10,656).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia Basin College are 3.2% lower than at Norfolk State University ($11,222 vs. $11,591).
• Norfolk State University is 55.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than CBC (about $3,625 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $6,555.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 150.1% higher at NSU than at Columbia Basin College (about $13,014 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $8,668.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia Basin College than at Norfolk State University (76% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 104.4% larger than aid received by Columbia Basin College students ($15,056 vs. $7,367).

NSU vs. CBC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU or CBC? 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 CBC and NSU.

• Columbia Basin College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; CBC - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.

NSU vs. CBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU and CBC? 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).

• Graduates from Columbia Basin College earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,200 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia Basin College graduates have a $20,500 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($10,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, CBC graduates have an estimated $212 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($108 vs. $320).
• More CBC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (48% 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.