Overview
Enrollment
Norfolk State University, located in the coastal city of Norfolk, Virginia, is a public historically Black university established in 1935. The 134-acre urban campus sits in the heart of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, within proximity to naval bases and the Chesapeake Bay. NSU operates as a comprehensive institution with particular strengths in sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, along with notable programs in business, nursing, and mass communications. The university maintains traditional residence halls and apartment-style housing for its student population, with most first-year students residing on campus. As a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), NSU competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with basketball and track and field among its prominent sports programs.
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Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
NSU is rated within the lower 23% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 3 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Norfolk State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#999 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#417 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#29 in Best Colleges in Virginia
#15 in Best Public Colleges in Virginia
#42 in Best Value Colleges in Virginia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 840/1100 |
| ACT | 16/21 |
| GPA | 2.9 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | May 31, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Virginia Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $3,984 |
| Room and Board | $11,692 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,700 |
| Total One Year Cost | $27,502 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $3,984 |
| Room and Board | $11,692 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,700 |
| Total One Year Cost | $39,004 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Health Professions | 21% |
| Business | 16% |
| Social Sciences | 11% |
| General Studies | 10% |
| Communication | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering NSU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=232937 IPEDS survey data for Norfolk State University.
Current students may use the Norfolk State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025