Washburn University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Washburn University in Topeka, KS with Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Norfolk State University is larger than Washburn University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 6,033 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washburn University is located in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washburn University 15:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Washburn University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washburn University 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 Washburn University ($9,124 vs. $11,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washburn University are 0.8% lower than at Norfolk State University ($11,501 vs. $11,591).
• Norfolk State University is 2.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $235 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at NSU than at Washburn University (about $733 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $20,949.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washburn University than at Norfolk State University (95% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 53.9% larger than aid received by Washburn University students ($15,056 vs. $9,781).

Washburn University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washburn University 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 Washburn University.

• 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: Washburn University - Not reported; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washburn University students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at NSU (2.9).

Washburn University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washburn University 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).

• Washburn University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Washburn 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, Washburn University graduates have a $14,100 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($16,900 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $146 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($174 vs. $320).
• More Washburn University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.