About Norfolk State University
Students pay an average net price of $12,973 after financial aid, with 62% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,666 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $29,000 in student debt. The investment pays off for most, with 94.3% of graduates finding employment. In-state students pay just $9,910 in tuition, making Norfolk State particularly affordable for Virginia residents.
The student body is 84% Black and 67% women, creating a supportive environment where students often find mentorship and lasting connections. The Spartans compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 11 varsity sports. However, academic persistence requires dedication, as only 33% of students graduate within six years and 72% return for their second year.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 63.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 36.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 32.7%
- Retention Rate
- 72.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,666
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | Master | $45,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,305 |
Campus Life
Students experience four distinct seasons, with mild winters requiring light jackets and warm summers perfect for outdoor activities. The 67% female student body creates a active social atmosphere where weekends often center around football games, concerts, and campus events. The legendary Spartan Legion marching band draws crowds and school spirit runs deep.
Norfolk's downtown offers internship opportunities at the naval base and local businesses, while Virginia Beach provides weekend beach trips just 20 minutes away. With 84% of students being Black, NSU maintains strong cultural traditions and mentorship networks. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, fostering the family atmosphere this HBCU is known for.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 3,337 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1935
Campus Safety (2023)
65 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 23 | 19 | 0 | 3 |
| Rape | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–48°F
- July Avg
- 71°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 53.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 33.0%
- Women
- 67.0%
- White
- 2.0%
- Black
- 84.2%
- Hispanic
- 5.1%
- Asian
- 0.2%
- In-State Students
- 68.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 62.2%
Location
- Address
- Norfolk, Virginia 23504-8000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,666
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,016
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 27.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $307/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $29,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Norfolk State University?
Norfolk State University accepts 89.5% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 940, with most admitted students scoring between 840 and 1040.
How much does Norfolk State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $12,973 after financial aid, with 62% receiving some form of assistance. In-state tuition is $9,910 while out-of-state students pay $21,412, though the school keeps costs manageable for families earning under $30,000 who pay just $11,099 net.
What is Norfolk State University known for academically?
Norfolk State is a historically black university well-known for its teacher education programs and strong community focus. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs, the school maintains its reputation for developing educators and fostering academic excellence in a supportive environment.
What are the graduation rates at Norfolk State University?
Norfolk State has a 32.7% six-year graduation rate and retains 72% of students from freshman to sophomore year. Despite graduation challenges, 94.3% of graduates find employment, and alumni earn a median salary of $44,666 ten years after graduation.
Where is Norfolk State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Norfolk, Virginia, a mid-sized city that provides urban opportunities while maintaining a close-knit feel. With housing for 3,337 students and a student body that is 67% women and 84% Black, the university creates a strong sense of community among its 5,495 students.
Does Norfolk State University have a strong athletics program?
Norfolk State competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with 11 varsity sports and 320 total athletes. The Spartans are particularly known for their marching band, which has gained national recognition and represents the school's active spirit and musical excellence.
