At $12,973/yr net price, Norfolk State University graduates earn $44,666/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,666/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,973 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,892 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,666/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,666/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $29,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,099/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,836/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,868/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,235/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,020/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | Master | $45,500 | $41,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,305 | $57,919 |
The Risk Factor
32.7% of students at Norfolk State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Norfolk State University presents a challenging financial proposition with weak returns across most programs. Your median earnings of $44,666 after ten years barely justify the investment, especially when paired with a concerning 33% graduation rate that means two-thirds of students never finish their degree.
The numbers get worse when you examine specific majors. Teacher education graduates carry nearly $58,000 in debt for jobs paying $45,305, creating a problematic debt-to-income ratio. Social work offers slightly better balance at $45,500 in earnings with $41,000 in debt, but both programs lead to modest salaries that struggle to support significant loan payments.
Your biggest financial risk at Norfolk State is not graduating. With only 72% of students returning for sophomore year and just one-third completing degrees, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without earning credentials. This risk compounds the already weak earning potential of most programs.
Norfolk State works financially for students who can minimize borrowing through substantial financial aid or family support. The $12,973 net price is reasonable if you can avoid loans, particularly for social work students planning graduate school or teachers committed to public service loan forgiveness programs.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong earnings to justify student loans or if you're considering programs outside the few decent-paying options. The combination of low graduation rates, modest earnings, and significant debt loads creates poor financial outcomes for most students. Virginia residents have better options within the state system for similar costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norfolk State University worth the cost?
Norfolk State University offers a relatively low net price of $12,973 per year, but graduates earn a median of $44,666 ten years after enrollment. With a 32.7% graduation rate and median debt of $29,000, the financial return depends heavily on completing your degree.
What are the best paying majors at Norfolk State University?
Social Work and Teacher Education are the top-paying programs at Norfolk State University, with graduates earning around $45,500 and $45,305 respectively. These earnings are modest but reasonable given the school's affordable tuition costs.
How much student debt do Norfolk State University graduates have?
Norfolk State University graduates carry a median debt of $29,000. With post-graduation earnings of $44,666, this creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio for those who complete their degrees.
What is the graduation rate at Norfolk State University and why does it matter?
Only 32.7% of students graduate from Norfolk State University. This low completion rate significantly impacts ROI since students who don't finish still accumulate debt without earning the degree needed for higher salaries.