Norfolk State vs Virginia State

Norfolk State University and Virginia State University, both esteemed public institutions in Virginia, offer unique educational experiences to their students. Norfolk State, located in the vibrant city of Norfolk, boasts a higher acceptance rate and a larger student body, providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Virginia State, nestled in the historic town of Petersburg, offers a more selective admissions process and a smaller student population, fostering a close-knit community. While both universities excel in various academic disciplines, Norfolk State is renowned for its strong programs in business, engineering, and nursing, while Virginia State shines in agriculture, education, and social sciences. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these universities, including their graduation rates, popular majors, student demographics, and more, to help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey.

	Norfolk State University	Virginia State University
Overview
Location	Norfolk, Virginia	Petersburg, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	66.0%	76.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.6%	96.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $50
SAT range	860 - 1083	830 - 1040
ACT range	15 - 20	15 - 21
Students submitting SAT score	19.0%	21.0%
Students submitting ACT score	5.0%	3.0%
Total number of applicants	6,490	9,978
Total number of admissions given out	5,753	9,587
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,113	920
Yield rate	19.3%	9.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $26,710 Out of state: $37,878	In state: $23,673 Out of state: $35,428
Average net price	$12,264	$16,770
Tuition	In state: $5,752 Out of state: $16,920	In state: $5,540 Out of state: $16,542
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,206 Meal plan: $3,638	Room/dormitory: $6,744 Meal plan: $4,800
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	92.0% Average amount $11,764	92.0% Average amount $11,499
Students receiving federal student loan	73.0% Average amount $8,821	90.0% Average amount $7,480
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $14,029	2.0% Average amount $3,092

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	5,016 Men 32.3% Women 67.7%	3,899 Men 40.1% Women 59.9%
Graduate students	442 Men 36.7% Women 63.3%	401 Men 30.4% Women 69.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	31.9%
International students	1.2%	0.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,917	2,360
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Virginia New York Maryland District of Columbia New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Psychology Public Administration and Social Service Health Professions Communication and Journalism Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Business Psychology Education Communication and Journalism Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	37.1%	47.8%
Dropout rate	32.8%	25.1%
Transferred out	27.1%	22.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $45,411 Year 2: $45,500 Year 3: $48,385 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $41,654 Year 2: $45,305 Year 3: $47,407 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,881 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $60,198 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,564 Year 2: $32,382 Year 3: $41,446 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,514 Year 2: $37,424 Year 3: $40,545 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $23,671 Year 2: $25,967 Year 3: $39,545 Hospitality Administration/Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,213 Year 2: $23,649 Year 3: $35,949 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,745 Year 2: $28,816 Year 3: $35,132 Social Work (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,882 Year 2: $33,281 Year 3: $34,139 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $21,298 Year 2: $25,615 Year 3: $30,192 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,185 Year 2: $24,035 Year 3: $29,021 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,290 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Norfolk State University (NSU) and Virginia State University (VSU)?

Norfolk State University (NSU) and Virginia State University (VSU) are both esteemed Historically Black Universities (HBCUs) in Virginia, but they differ in location, academic focus, and campus culture. NSU, located in Norfolk, has a strong emphasis on STEM fields, visual and performing arts, and offers a vibrant urban experience. VSU, situated in Petersburg, provides a more traditional, land-grant university experience with a focus on agriculture, engineering, and education. VSU's campus is generally considered more spacious and offers a more rural setting compared to NSU's urban environment.
Where are NSU and VSU located, and how does location impact student life?

NSU is located in the heart of Norfolk, Virginia, a bustling city with numerous cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and internship opportunities. This urban setting provides students with easy access to a wide range of experiences. VSU is located in Petersburg, Virginia, a smaller city with a more relaxed atmosphere. While Petersburg offers its own charm and historical significance, it's generally considered a more traditional college town. The location impacts student life by influencing the types of extracurricular activities available, internship opportunities, and the overall campus environment.
What academic programs are NSU and VSU particularly known for?

NSU is recognized for its strong programs in STEM, particularly engineering, computer science, and nursing. It also boasts a highly regarded visual and performing arts program. VSU is known for its agriculture programs, engineering, education, and business administration. As a land-grant university, VSU has a long-standing tradition of excellence in agricultural research and extension services.
What is the student body size and diversity like at NSU and VSU?

Both NSU and VSU have diverse student bodies, reflecting their commitment to serving a broad range of students. NSU typically has a slightly smaller student population compared to VSU. Both universities attract students from across Virginia, the United States, and internationally. While both are HBCUs, they welcome students of all backgrounds and ethnicities.
What is campus life like at NSU and VSU? What are some popular student activities?

Campus life at NSU is vibrant and energetic, with a strong emphasis on student involvement and community engagement. Popular activities include Greek life, student government, performing arts groups, and participation in various clubs and organizations. VSU offers a more traditional college experience with a focus on campus traditions, athletics, and student organizations. Popular activities include attending sporting events, participating in Greek life, joining academic clubs, and engaging in community service projects. Both universities have active student governments and offer a wide range of social and recreational activities.
How do the costs of attending NSU and VSU compare?

The cost of attending NSU and VSU are generally comparable, but it's essential to check the most up-to-date tuition and fees on each university's website. Factors such as residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state) and chosen program of study can influence the overall cost. Both universities offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students finance their education. Be sure to explore the financial aid options available at each institution.
What are the admission requirements for NSU and VSU?

Admission requirements for NSU and VSU are similar, typically including a high school diploma or equivalent, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and a completed application. However, specific requirements may vary depending on the program of study and the applicant's academic background. It's crucial to review the admission requirements on each university's website to ensure you meet all the necessary criteria. Both universities consider factors such as GPA, class rank, and extracurricular activities during the admission process.
What kind of career services and resources do NSU and VSU offer to students?

Both NSU and VSU provide comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their future careers. These services typically include career counseling, resume and cover letter writing assistance, mock interviews, internship and job search resources, and career fairs. Both universities also have strong alumni networks that can provide valuable connections and mentorship opportunities. They also offer resources to help students with graduate school applications.
How do NSU and VSU support their alumni after graduation?

Both NSU and VSU have active alumni associations that provide ongoing support and resources to graduates. These associations offer networking opportunities, career development programs, and social events. Alumni can also stay connected to the university through newsletters, online communities, and volunteer opportunities. Both universities value their alumni and recognize their contributions to the institution's success.
Which university is better for me: NSU or VSU?

The 'better' university depends entirely on your individual needs and preferences. If you prefer an urban setting with a strong focus on STEM and the arts, NSU might be a better fit. If you prefer a more traditional college experience in a smaller city with a focus on agriculture, engineering, and education, VSU might be a better choice. Consider visiting both campuses, talking to current students and faculty, and researching the specific programs that interest you to make an informed decision.

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