Norfolk State University combines open access admission with earnings that significantly exceed expectations. As an Under-Resourced Institution serving 62.2% Pell-eligible students, the university delivers $5,804 in value-added earnings while maintaining manageable debt levels relative to peer institutions, supporting economic mobility for underserved populations.
The challenge of generating strong absolute earnings while serving students from disadvantaged backgrounds
With above average performance, balancing cost control with resource needs
With top-tier performance, reflecting the university's success in enrolling Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With well above average outcomes, indicating effective conversion of educational access into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisNorfolk State University delivers earnings outcomes that significantly exceed expectations for its student demographics and institutional resources. While median earnings of $44,666 rank at the 25th percentile nationally, graduates earn $5,804 beyond predicted outcomes based on student backgrounds, placing the university at the 76.1st percentile for value-added performance.
This earnings uplift demonstrates the institution's effectiveness in supporting student success despite resource constraints. Low-income graduates earn $36,700, providing meaningful economic advancement for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Students seeking accessible higher education with strong support systems for first-generation and lower-income backgrounds. Norfolk State's combination of open access admission and earnings that exceed expectations by $5,804 makes it well-suited for students prioritizing economic mobility over prestige, particularly those who benefit from historically black college and university environments and comprehensive student support.
Norfolk State University maintains open access admission with an 87.5% acceptance rate, meaning roughly 7 in 8 applicants receive offers of admission. This places Norfolk State among the most accessible universities in Virginia and nationwide, with admission rates well above typical four-year institutions.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that Norfolk State admits students at rates similar to comparable institutions serving diverse populations. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students who apply can expect admission, making Norfolk State an excellent option for students seeking guaranteed pathways to higher education.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Norfolk State University's published cost of attendance is $26,093 per year, including $21,412 in out-of-state tuition ($9,910 for Virginia residents), $11,692 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,973 after financial aid, representing savings of $13,120 annually.
This net price places Norfolk State slightly above the peer median of $14,093, though the institution serves a higher percentage of low-income students than typical peer institutions. The combination of moderate sticker prices with substantial financial aid makes Norfolk State accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Virginia residents benefit from significantly reduced tuition rates, making the university particularly affordable for in-state students. The financial aid savings demonstrate Norfolk State's commitment to need-based assistance, with federal, state, and institutional aid combining to reduce costs for most students.
Families should focus on net price rather than published costs when evaluating affordability, as the average savings of over $13,000 makes actual costs significantly more manageable than initial sticker prices suggest.
Norfolk State University currently lacks sufficient program-level earnings data for detailed rankings in Azimuth's database. The institution offers bachelor's degree programs across multiple disciplines including business, education, engineering technology, health sciences, and liberal arts.
While specific program outcomes data is not available for analysis, the university's overall performance indicates that graduates across various fields contribute to the institution's strong value-added earnings performance. Students considering Norfolk State should evaluate program offerings based on their career interests and the university's historical strengths in teacher preparation, business, and health-related fields.
The lack of detailed program data reflects reporting thresholds rather than program quality, as federal privacy requirements limit earnings disclosure for programs with small graduate cohorts.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New Mexico State University-Main Campus Similar quality tier (#334 ranked) | NM | 76% | $39,067 | #334 | Compare |
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This is the Norfolk State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/norfolk-state-university/analysis.
Top-tier access with earnings exceeding expectations
Norfolk State University leads with top-tier access performance at the 92.5th percentile, reflecting its mission to serve diverse student populations. This medium-sized public university in Norfolk, Virginia maintains open access admission with an 87.5% acceptance rate while enrolling 62.2% Pell-eligible students and 37.4% first-generation students.
Norfolk State ranks #339 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis with well above average overall performance at the 79.2nd percentile. Graduates earn $5,804 beyond expectations relative to similar students, placing the university at the 76.1st percentile for earnings uplift.
Despite median earnings of $44,666 ranking below average nationally, this represents strong outcomes given the student population served. Classified as an Under-Resourced Institution, Norfolk State demonstrates the challenges facing institutions that prioritize access while working to maximize outcomes with limited resources.
Students should approach Norfolk State as a realistic choice rather than a reach school, allowing them to focus on academic preparation and financial planning rather than admission uncertainty. The university's open access mission means that admission decisions typically depend on meeting basic eligibility requirements rather than competitive selection among qualified applicants.
For students building college lists, Norfolk State represents a strong foundation school that combines accessible admission with meaningful post-graduation outcomes, particularly for first-generation and lower-income students seeking economic mobility through higher education.
Norfolk State graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth from early to mid-career, with median incomes rising from $33,412 six years after enrollment to $40,645 at eight years and $44,666 at ten years. This represents 33.7% earnings growth between the six-year and ten-year marks, indicating positive career trajectory for graduates.
These outcomes are based on cohorts of 1,479 graduates at six years and 2,177 graduates at eight and ten years, providing confidence in the reported figures. Earnings beyond expectations of $5,804 place Norfolk State at the 76.1st percentile nationally, demonstrating the university's ability to generate outcomes that exceed predictions based on student demographics and institutional characteristics.
Earnings span from $25,584 at the 25th percentile to $64,690 at the 75th percentile, reflecting career diversity across academic programs. Low-income graduates earn $36,700, providing meaningful economic advancement opportunities.
The university serves students from diverse backgrounds while consistently delivering earnings outcomes that surpass expectations given available resources and student preparation levels.
University Of Illinois Springfield Similar quality tier (#340 ranked) | IL | 84% | $57,103 | #340 | Compare |
Stephen F Austin State University Similar quality tier (#332 ranked) | TX | 88% | $49,634 | #332 | Compare |
The College Of New Jersey Similar quality tier (#331 ranked) | NJ | 62% | $73,323 | #331 | Compare |
State University Of New York At Oswego Similar quality tier (#342 ranked) | NY | 80% | $57,566 | #342 | Compare |
