Liberty University vs Norfolk State University
Admission and Cost: Liberty University accepts 99.29% of applicants compared to Norfolk State's 89.50%, making Liberty slightly easier to enter. However, cost structures differ significantly. Norfolk State offers substantial savings for Virginia residents at $9,910 in-state tuition versus $21,412 out-of-state, while Liberty charges $21,222 for all students. The average net price shows Norfolk State at $12,973 compared to Liberty's $29,552, making Norfolk State considerably more affordable overall.
Academic Environment: Both universities maintain identical 18:1 student-faculty ratios, but enrollment sizes create different experiences. Liberty serves 50,059 students across its Lynchburg campus, while Norfolk State maintains a smaller 5,495 student body in Norfolk. Liberty achieves a higher retention rate of 78.79% versus Norfolk State's 71.97%.
Outcomes: Liberty demonstrates stronger graduation metrics with a 63.50% six-year graduation rate compared to Norfolk State's 32.70%. However, career earnings remain nearly identical, with Liberty graduates earning a median $44,813 after ten years versus $44,666 at Norfolk State. Liberty graduates carry less debt at $24,500 median compared to Norfolk State's $29,000.
Campus Life: Both institutions compete in NCAA Division I athletics, providing similar sporting opportunities and school spirit.
Liberty University better serves students seeking a large campus environment with higher graduation rates who can afford higher costs, while Norfolk State University fits students prioritizing affordability and smaller campus settings, particularly Virginia residents seeking quality education at lower expense.
Admission and Cost: Liberty University accepts 99.29% of applicants compared to Norfolk State's 89.50%, making Liberty slightly easier to enter. However, cost structures differ significantly. Norfolk State offers substantial savings for Virginia residents at $9,910 in-state tuition versus $21,412 out-of-state, while Liberty charges $21,222 for all students. The average net price shows Norfolk State at $12,973 compared to Liberty's $29,552, making Norfolk State considerably more affordable overall.
Academic Environment: Both universities maintain identical 18:1 student-faculty ratios, but enrollment sizes create different experiences. Liberty serves 50,059 students across its Lynchburg campus, while Norfolk State maintains a smaller 5,495 student body in Norfolk. Liberty achieves a higher retention rate of 78.79% versus Norfolk State's 71.97%.
Outcomes: Liberty demonstrates stronger graduation metrics with a 63.50% six-year graduation rate compared to Norfolk State's 32.70%. However, career earnings remain nearly identical, with Liberty graduates earning a median $44,813 after ten years versus $44,666 at Norfolk State. Liberty graduates carry less debt at $24,500 median compared to Norfolk State's $29,000.
Campus Life: Both institutions compete in NCAA Division I athletics, providing similar sporting opportunities and school spirit.
Liberty University better serves students seeking a large campus environment with higher graduation rates who can afford higher costs, while Norfolk State University fits students prioritizing affordability and smaller campus settings, particularly Virginia residents seeking quality education at lower expense.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Liberty University | Norfolk State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 99.3% | 89.5% |
| SAT Average | 940 | |
| Enrollment | 50,059 | 5,495 |
| In-State Tuition | $21,222 | $9,910 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $21,222 | $21,412 |
| Net Price | $29,552 | $12,973 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.5% | 32.7% |
| Retention Rate | 78.8% | 72.0% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,813 | $44,666 |
| Median Debt | $24,500 | $29,000 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Liberty University | Norfolk State University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $72,022 | ||
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $68,219 | ||
| Computer Engineering. | $63,600 | ||
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $62,936 | ||
| Business/Commerce, General. | $57,705 | ||