Skip to Main Content
CollegeGrad School

Norfolk State University

  • C+
    Overall Grade
  • 4 Year
  • Norfolk, VA
  • 1,451 reviews
    Apply Now

    COVID-19 Update for Prospective Students and Families:

    Norfolk State University Office of Admissions has adopted a test-optional policy for first-year applicants in the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. Keeping the safety of our students, families, faculty and staff first, we are not hosting on campus visits at this time. NSU continues to monitor the developing COVID-19 situation as we plan for our academic year. Learn More

    C+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?Data Sources
    1. Academics
      C+
    2. Value
      C+
    3. Diversity
      B+
    4. Campus
      B-
    5. Athletics
      B+
    6. Party Scene
      A
    7. Professors
      B
    8. Location
      B+
    9. Dorms
      C
    10. Campus Food
      B-
    11. Student Life
      B+
    12. Safety
      C
    nsu.edu
    700 Park Avenue
    Norfolk, VA 23504
    Learn More
    About Norfolk State...
    Athletic Division
    NCAA Division I-FCS
    Athletic Conference
    Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
    From Norfolk State University

    Norfolk State University is four-year, public, urban, coeducational comprehensive university offering 31 undergraduate, 15 graduate, and 3 doctoral programs. Our 134-acre campus is near downtown Norfolk, VA with its shops, restaurants and museums. Ranked as a top 20 HBCU by U.S. News and World Report, NSU prides itself of helping our students reach their full potential.

    NSU News
    Check Out Upcoming Events at Norfolk State University

    Norfolk State University Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
    See All Norfolk State University Rankings

    Admissions

    Application Deadline
    Rolling Admissions
    Acceptance Rate
    90%
    SAT Range
    860-1040
    ACT Range
    15-21
    Application Fee
    $25
    SAT/ACT
    Considered but not required
    High School GPA
    Required
    Accepts Common App
    Yes
    Read More About Admissions
    Find Student Loans

    Cost

    Net Price
    $12,645/ year
    National
    $15,523
    Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
    Average Total Aid Awarded
    $12,190/ year
    National
    $7,535
    Students Receiving Financial Aid
    78%
    Find Private Student Loans
    Explore Tuition & Cost Breakdown
    Find College Scholarships 

    Academics

    Professors
    B
    Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Faculty Ratio
    16:1
    Evening Degree Programs
    No
    68%
    of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.96 responses
    66%
    of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.108 responses
    68%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.109 responses
    Read More About Academics

    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      82 Graduates
    • Psychology
      74 Graduates
    • Business
      60 Graduates
    • Social Work and Youth Services
      56 Graduates
    • Sociology
      55 Graduates
    • Biology
      54 Graduates
    • Nursing
      49 Graduates
    • Communications
      40 Graduates
    • Healthcare Management
      38 Graduates
    • Kinesiology and Exercise Science
      26 Graduates
    See All Majors

    Nursing

    NSU's Traditional Nursing Bachelor’s Degree (BSN) is a highly competitive pre-licensure program that prepares students as generalists in the practice of professional nursing. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX–RN).

    Online

    Online Programs Offered
    5
    Offers Online Courses
    Yes
    Online Certificate Programs
    0
    Online Associates Programs
    0
    Online Bachelor's Programs
    5
    Explore All Online Majors
    How Students Learn
    • Mix of Online and on Campus
      59%
    • On Campus
      37%
    • Online
      3%

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    4,133Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    527
    Undergrads Over 25
    15%
    Pell Grant
    73%
    Varsity Athletes
    6%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    Based on 57 responses
    • Individuality
      37%
    • Motivated
      16%
    • Bandwagons
      12%
    • Fashionable
      12%
    • Original
      9%
    • Outgoing
      7%
    • Judgemental
      5%
    Read More About the Students

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    —
    Poll
    50%
    of students say that Greek life is pretty big.118 responses
    Poll
    61%
    of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.132 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 60 responses
    • Lively
      35%
    • Family
      28%
    • A Family type environment
      18%
    • DISORGANIZED
      7%
    • Home away from home
      7%
    • Normal
      3%
    • Terrible
      2%
    Read More About Campus Life

      After College

      Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
      $35,800/ year
      National
      $33,028
      Graduation Rate
      36%
      National
      49%
      Employed 2 Years After Graduation
      93%
      National
      83%
      75%
      of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.56 responses
      Read More About Life After Graduation

      Norfolk State University Reviews

      1,451 reviews
      All Categories
      Behold the Green and Gold! Norfolk State University is a 4 year historically Black college that is known for its immaculate STEM and athletic programs. It has a very rich and diverse culture within its student body campus. This school is located in the Norfolk/ Hampton Roads area and is the highlight of Norfolk's education system. As a student at Norfolk State, you can always expect to be doing something on campus. The Spartan tradition offers daily activities during the day that are inclusive for all types of students. This type of learning environment offers hands-on and top of the line resources such as the new Writing Center and the Spartan Sucess center. The main goal for the students of Norfolk State is to create professional individuals to become leaders in the world. Therefore, If you are looking for a school with diversity, culture, and tradition; then, Norfolk State is for you!
      Start Your Review of Norfolk State University
      Rate It!
      I had to take online course due to the COVID-19 pandemic. My school handled online teaching very well. For our class lectures, we utilize the zoom feature and had class at the normal time we would in person. For the test and quizzes, there was a secure lockdown browser. The Norfolk State professors were very patient and understanding when it came to different student's learning styles. It was a great experience through this rough time!
      I enjoy Norfolk State University, I'm goin going on my second year this August and I couldn't be more excited. The people are very friendly and enjoy engaging, the activities are always fun and the student life is good for any new comer. The games and spirit weeks are mostly my favorite thing about the school because you get to meet a lot of people and network. Only thing is the out of state cost is crazy high, mainly for the dorm and boarding. For what I am paying I would expect more. Also, the staffing needs a little more work on their customer service. Otherwise I absolutely enjoy bring a spartan!
      Read More Reviews