NSU vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA with Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Norfolk State University is larger than Potomac State College of West Virginia University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 1,077 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Potomac State College of West Virginia University is in Keyser, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Norfolk State University 15:1; Potomac State College of West Virginia University 13:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 7.9% lower than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University ($11,591 vs. $12,580).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.3% higher at NSU than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $8,482 more per year; $21,682 vs. $13,200).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Potomac State College of West Virginia University than at Norfolk State University (90% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 118.5% larger than aid received by Potomac State College of West Virginia University students ($15,056 vs. $6,890).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at NSU, open admission at Potomac State College of West Virginia University.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Potomac State College of West Virginia University average a 3.06 high school GPA, 0.16 higher than at NSU (2.9).

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have a $6,999 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($24,001 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($248 vs. $320).
• More Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation (59% vs. 27%).

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