WNC vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Nevada College in Carson City, NV 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 WNC based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 4,284 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Nevada College is located in Carson City, NV (Rural Fringe setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Western Nevada College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Nevada College 15:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

WNC vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WNC 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 WNC ($9,124 vs. $14,929).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 34.8% lower than at Western Nevada College ($11,591 vs. $17,788).
• Norfolk State University is 144.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WNC (about $6,012 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $4,168.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.9% higher at NSU than at Western Nevada College (about $8,848 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $12,834.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Nevada College than at Norfolk State University (88% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 156.3% larger than aid received by Western Nevada College students ($15,056 vs. $5,874).

WNC vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WNC 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 WNC.

• Western Nevada College reports an open admissions policy.
• 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: WNC - Open admission; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.

WNC vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WNC 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).

• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than WNC graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $33,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Nevada College graduates have a $19,684 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($11,316 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, WNC graduates have an estimated $203 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($117 vs. $320).
• More WNC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (30% 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.