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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,633 |
| Tuition and Fees | $21,682 |
| Room and Board | $11,591 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,351 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $15,282 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,804 |
| $30–48k | $13,905 |
| $48–75k | $15,507 |
| $75–110k | $17,972 |
| $110k+ | $26,175 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is moderate relative to earnings. Manageable for most graduates, but higher-debt borrowers should plan carefully.
Norfolk State graduates finish with a median debt of $29,000, placing the university at the 2nd percentile nationally for debt levels, meaning 98% of institutions have lower median debt. Student debt ranges from $9,500 at the 25th percentile to $34,500 at the 75th percentile, indicating significant variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
Compared to peer institutions with median debt of $21,105, Norfolk State graduates borrow $7,895 more on average. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 indicates that graduates' debt represents roughly 65% of their first-year earnings, which is higher than ideal benchmarks.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,000 with monthly payments of $237 for families who utilize this federal loan option. While debt levels are concerning relative to national averages, they must be evaluated in context of the institution's mission to serve students who might otherwise lack access to higher education and the positive earnings uplift achieved despite resource constraints.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Norfolk State represents a complex investment proposition that requires careful evaluation of individual circumstances and career goals. Graduates earn $5,804 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing the university at the 76.1st percentile for value-added performance and demonstrating meaningful educational impact.
However, median earnings of $44,666 rank at the 25th percentile nationally, reflecting the challenges facing graduates in achieving high absolute earnings. Debt levels above peer averages create repayment challenges, though the positive earnings uplift helps justify educational investment.
Compared to peer institutions, Norfolk State graduates earn $5,450 less but also attend at net costs $1,120 higher, creating an unfavorable combination. The institution's strongest value proposition lies in serving students who might not otherwise access higher education while delivering earnings outcomes that exceed predictions based on student demographics.
Norfolk State's financial aid profile reflects its commitment to serving students from lower-income backgrounds, with 62.2% of students receiving Pell grants compared to typical rates around 35% nationally. The substantial gap between sticker price ($26,093) and average net price ($12,973) indicates comprehensive financial aid packaging that combines federal grants, state aid, and institutional support.
Aid is clearly concentrated toward students with the greatest financial need, as evidenced by the progressive net pricing structure that provides the largest subsidies to families earning under $48,000 annually. The university's ability to reduce costs by over $13,000 on average demonstrates effective financial aid administration and commitment to access despite resource constraints typical of public institutions.
Students from lower-income backgrounds should expect significant aid packages, while middle and upper-income families will face higher net costs but still benefit from public university pricing advantages.
