Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Norfolk State University at a Glance
Norfolk State University (NSU) is a public historically black university in Norfolk, Virginia. It is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Virginia High-Tech Partnership.
1935
91 years old
$110M
$109.5 million (2025)
5,616
5,000 undergrad · 616 grad
134 acres
Identity
Is Norfolk State University Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, Norfolk State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,666 — 17% below average — while paying $15,282/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 36% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $29,000 representing 65% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Norfolk State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Norfolk State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #104 of 135 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #5 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #6 | Pensacola State College | 91 | $3,957 | $36,739 |
| #104 | Norfolk State University | 26 | $15,282 | $44,666 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Norfolk State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in VA.
Best Programs at Norfolk State University
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Norfolk State University. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,282/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Norfolk, VA
- Student Body
- 5,392 students
- Admission Rate
- 88%
- Graduation Rate
- 36%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,282
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,666
- Median Student Debt
- $29,000