Norfolk State University (NSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Norfolk State University
In coastal Norfolk, you can feel the green and gold energy before you reach the gates. Norfolk State University is known for strong teaching across the liberal arts, STEM, business, and the social sciences, with a reputation for faculty mentorship. Classrooms and labs, a hardworking library, and student success centers anchor academics, and tutoring, advising, and wellness keep support close. The culture is welcoming, rooted in HBCU history, and proud.
Life on campus ranges from high stepping marching band rehearsals to research showcases, open mic nights, and spirited games. And when you need a reset, rec spaces, intramurals, and nearby waterways help you breathe. Career prep leans on internships, service learning, and a loyal alumni network with ties to the region's military, health care, and port economy. Homecoming is a must see. Notable alumni include NBA Hall of Famer Bob Dandridge and actor Tim Reid.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Norfolk State University (NSU) offers 41 degree programs across 20 major academic fields, graduating approximately 941 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Psychology (3 programs, 128 graduates), Business (2 programs, 120 graduates), Health (2 programs, 85 graduates), Public Services (1 programs, 82 graduates) and Social Sciences (3 programs, 82 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Psychology (3 programs, 128 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 115 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
| Applied Psychology | 9 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
42.2899 |
| Clinical Psychology | 4 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
42.2801 |
Business (2 programs, 120 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 106 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0101 |
| Accounting | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
Health (2 programs, 85 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Administration and Management | 61 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.0701 |
| Registered Nursing | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
Public Services (1 programs, 82 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work | 82 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
44.0701 |
Social Sciences (3 programs, 82 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 51 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Political Science and Government | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Urban Studies and Affairs | 10 |
|
Master's
|
45.1201 |
Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 72 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies | 72 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.9999 |
Arts (4 programs, 70 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Studies | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
| Theatre Arts | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Music | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Music Performance | 9 |
|
Master's
|
50.0903 |
Computer & IT (3 programs, 52 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0101 |
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 15 |
|
Master's
|
11.1003 |
| Information Technology | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0103 |
Communication (1 programs, 51 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Journalism, Other | 51 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
09.9999 |
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 47 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 47 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Norfolk State University (NSU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Norfolk State University (NSU)
How much does it cost to attend Norfolk State University (NSU)?
The annual tuition at Norfolk State University (NSU) is $9,910 for in-state students and $21,412 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $27,502 for in-state students and $39,004 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,692 and books and supplies $1,200.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Norfolk State University offer?
Norfolk State University (NSU) offers 41 academic programs across 20 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate (Research), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (3 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (2 programs)
- Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services (1 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (3 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Norfolk State University?
Norfolk State University (NSU) has an 87.5% acceptance rate and a 16.8% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 10,211
- Students admitted: 8,931
- Students enrolled: 1,503
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Norfolk State University?
Norfolk State University (NSU) provides financial aid to 22% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $11,153 and average loans of $10,132.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,630
- State/Local grants: $7,355
- Institutional grants: $5,003
- Federal loans: $8,968
The university supports 1,156 students with grants and 777 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Norfolk State University graduates?
Norfolk State University (NSU) graduates earn a median salary of $33,412 after 6 years and $44,666 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $25,584 (25th percentile) to $64,690 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $67,600 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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