About Norfolk State University

Founded in 1935, Norfolk State University. is a Public college. Located in Virginia, which is a city setting in Virginia, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 4,739 full time undergraduate students, and 682 full time graduate students.

The Norfolk State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 17:1. There are 243 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Norfolk State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate85%
Application Deadline
Application Fee25
SAT Range620-860
ACT Range16-20

Admissions at NSU are considered Less Selective, with ,65% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 23 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

42% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 26% were in the top quarter, and 13% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Norfolk State University.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
28%
“We know about current events and vote”
67%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
5%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
22%
“Sometimes, but not often”
50%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
26%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
12%
“I only go out in groups”
49%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
37%
“I feel extremely safe”
3%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
19%
“We bought the gear”
78%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
10%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
59%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
26%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
58%
“They keep regular office hours”
37%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
4%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
84%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
11%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
26%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
33%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
33%
“We only party on weekends”
9%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
33%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
52%
“There might be people who do”
12%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
28%
“We know about current events and vote”
67%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
5%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
22%
“Sometimes, but not often”
50%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
26%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
12%
“I only go out in groups”
49%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
37%
“I feel extremely safe”
3%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
19%
“We bought the gear”
78%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
10%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
59%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
26%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
58%
“They keep regular office hours”
37%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
4%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
84%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
11%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
26%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
33%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
33%
“We only party on weekends”
9%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
33%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
52%
“There might be people who do”
12%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    154 Students rated on-campus housing 3.3 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    100 Students rated off-campus housing 3.3 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    160 Students rated campus food 3.1 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    159 Students rated campus facilities 3.8 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    159 Students rated class size 4.1 stars. 43 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    158 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 41 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    157 Students rated local services 3.9 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    158 Students rated academics 4 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.

Norfolk State University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Norfolk State University?

84 Students rated Norfolk State University

Ariana - 11/26/2024

I went on a college tour at Norfolk State University and I feel that it is welcoming and prioritizes education. I can't wait to possibly be in attendance Fall 2025. My tour guide was a social work major and really helped me open my eyes into what I want my future career to be.

Jewellyn - 11/23/2024

I love it amazing school

Catori - 07/29/2023

Norfolk State University actually wasn't my first choice. But I committed to playing volleyball at NSU because of the welcoming and family-like environment. My Coach, Kathy Bullock, is just the type of coach I was looking for at an HBCU. She is a warm and welcoming yet strict and firm coach. I feel very lucky and fortunate to have a coach like her because I know that she genuinely wants the best for me and will push me to go best the best me I can be. The sports environment at NSU is very strong and everyone knows all the athletes. Our sports are pretty decent and we have 8 incoming freshman on our volleyball team so we are going to be very good this year and hopefully win the MEAC tournament. Our women's basketball team made it to the Sweet Sixteen during the 2022 season and unfortunately our men's team lost by 1 point which held them back from also making it to the Sweet Sixteen. Although there is a very good sports environment, one major problem that students tend to have with the school is the housing department. The new residential dorms are normally designated for all underclassmen athletes with the exception of people who pay extra to stay in the new dorms. However, housing has split up the volleyball team and put the 15 of us in 4 different dorms, one of which is on the other side of campus away from the caf, both gyms, and the training room. Similar things have happened where teammates request to be in the same room, that request is approved, and then said teammates are in completely different rooms than what was approved previously. Excluding the fact that housing is hit or miss, our advisors and other Norfolk State staff like the chefs and caf workers are extremely kind and easy to get along with. The administrative staff, advisors and professors are usually always willing to help out and aid students in whatever they need.

ShaNyah - 06/12/2023

Don’t get me wrong, I love my HBCU. However, there are some things that can be improved. I wish some of the staff were more friendly and helpful, but honestly it’s a hit or miss with them. Also we spend money on the wrong things, we need more places to eat on campus rather than a new water fountain. The older buildings and dorms also could be upgraded.

Norfolk State University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Norfolk State University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Norfolk State University is 85%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    If I could go back in time I would tell myself to try more. I have realiazed that when I truley push myself and put my mind to something I can do amazing things. Yes it requires alot of hardwork but I really love teh adrennaine rush of working hard, whether, it's serving dozens and dozens of people, working on a drawing, leading a children choir, or just exercising. When I fully put my heart and soul in a task I really come out with a masterpiece. And with that information, I could use it to motivate my past self so I could pull out the confindence that I have recently found.

    Read all 133 answers

  3. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    How hard it is to get out! My school has truly raised its standards since I came in. Even though I had a good enough gpa to get into almost any school of my choice, the entry requirements were a little low back then. It was really easy to get into NSU, but definitely hard to get out. The professors are really serious about your education and will truly make you work hard to earn your degree. I can say now that I truly appreciate that aspect of my alma mater.

    Read all 28 answers

  4. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    my school is a very good. we learn also the teachers are vry smart and helpful, and they really strive to give us the best college expierence i really like norfolk state university.

    Read all 26 answers

  5. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    There isn't enough parking spaces available.

    Read all 26 answers

  6. What kind of person should attend this school?

    A person who wants diversity!

    Read all 23 answers

  7. What's unique about your campus?

    The professors really care about you and your success.

    Read all 22 answers

  8. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    The type of person that shouldn't attend this school is a person that tends to goof off academically, because failing might be easier than that person thinks.

    Read all 21 answers

  9. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    There isn't always enough parking due to construction

    Read all 21 answers

  10. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    The nursing program.

    Read all 20 answers

  11. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates know why they came to college and what they are here for. They pay attention in class with no disturbances or interuptions. Everyone in my class has a goal and they are there to acheive it.

    Read all 19 answers

  12. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    its a hbcu

    Read all 19 answers

  13. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    The extra-curricular activities, my professors and the greek life.

    Read all 16 answers

Student Body

Students

64%

female

36%

male

4,739

Total Undergrad Enrollment

682

Total Grad Students

30%

Out-Of-State

68%

In-State

2%

International

Organizations

154

Student Organizations

8

Fraternities

8

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

36%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
1%
% Black or African-American
85%
% Hispanic/Latino
3%
% White or Caucasian
4%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

100% of students attending Norfolk State University receive some sort of financial aid. 74% were awarded federal grants. While 82% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$20,340

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$2,535

Books and Supplies

$9,490

Room and Board

32,365

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$13,952
$30 - $48K
$14,121
$48 - $75K
$15,036
$75 - $110K
$18,493
$110K & UP
$20,867

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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