Public Institution

Norfolk State University — Norfolk, Virginia

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Annual Tuition $9,910

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 87.5%

Open Admission

Enrollment 5,495

Active Students

Avg. Salary $44,666

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Norfolk, Virginia

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1967

Academic Mission & Environment

"Norfolk State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Norfolk, providing a robust academic foundation for 5,495 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Norfolk State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Norfolk State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Psychology

14.3%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

12.5%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

10.4%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

9.7%

Enrollment Share

Multi/Interdisciplinary

7.9%

Enrollment Share

Communications

7.8%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Norfolk State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Multi/Interdisciplinary College

The Multi/Interdisciplinary program at Norfolk State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Norfolk State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Norfolk State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 87.5%

Difficulty Low

Norfolk State University maintains an acceptance rate of 87.5%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 33%

Women Enrollment 67%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 430 - 575

SAT Mathematics 410 - 525

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Norfolk State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $9,910

Out-of-State Tuition $21,412

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 62.2%

Median Student Debt $29,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $9,910, graduates see a median starting salary of $44,666, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Virginia.

What salary can Norfolk State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $44,666

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 32.7%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $12,973

Median Salary (6yr) $33,412

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Norfolk State University in Norfolk?

5,495 Students

Gender Comparison

33% Men

67% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

72%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Asian

0.2%

Black

84.2%

White

Unknown

1.1%

Hispanic

5.1%

Two or More Races

5.8%

International

1.5%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 23

🎓

First-Generation 37.4%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 78.5%

🎖️

Veterans 0.5%

💍

Married Students 7.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$56,695
Average Family Income	$37,389
Median Family Income	$26,072

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

54.6%

45.5%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Norfolk Campus Environment

Located at 700 Park Avenue, Norfolk State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Virginia. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Norfolk State University compare?

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Common Questions about Norfolk State University

Is Norfolk State University a good college in Norfolk, Virginia?

Norfolk State University is a recognized institution in Norfolk with an enrollment of 5,495 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Virginia.

Is Norfolk State University worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $44,666 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does Norfolk State University cost for Virginia residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Norfolk State University is approximately $9,910. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $21,412. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Norfolk State University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Norfolk State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 78.5% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Norfolk State University good for Psychology and Business & Marketing programs?

Norfolk State University reports program activity in Psychology and Business & Marketing. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending Norfolk State University?

Graduates of Norfolk State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Psychology. With a median salary of $44,666, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Norfolk State University?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Norfolk State University's official admissions website.

Does Norfolk State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Norfolk State University's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can Norfolk State University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Norfolk State University earn a median salary of $44,666 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Norfolk State University a good investment compared to other VA colleges?

Compare Norfolk State University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Virginia to judge value for your goals.

Where is Norfolk State University located and what is the campus like?

Norfolk State University is located at 700 Park Avenue in Norfolk, VA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 5,495 learners.

Who typically attends Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA?

The student body at Norfolk State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 37.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Virginia

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Norfolk State University with other leading institutions in Virginia across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

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