Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given Norfolk State's 87.5% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students can expect admission. However, students seeking alternatives should consider these options for different outcomes, costs, or geographic preferences.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For even higher acceptance rates with similar outcomes, consider Virginia Union University (97.7% acceptance, $38,275 median earnings) located 82 miles away in Richmond. Liberty University admits 99.3% of applicants while producing graduates earning $44,813, nearly identical to Norfolk State's outcomes. Ferrum College maintains 100% acceptance with graduates earning $44,296, providing open access with comparable post-graduation results.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students preferring to stay in Virginia should consider Virginia State University (89.1% acceptance, $45,543 earnings) just 69 miles away in Petersburg, offering similar outcomes with the same public university benefits. Regent University is only 5 miles from Norfolk State but has more selective admission (41.2% acceptance) while producing similar earnings of $44,498. Virginia Wesleyan University, 4 miles away, offers higher earnings potential at $50,074 with 71.3% acceptance rates.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Other accessible Virginia universities include Christopher Newport University (88.0% acceptance) with significantly higher earnings of $60,509, located just 20 miles away in Newport News. Virginia State University offers nearly identical selectivity (89.1% acceptance) with similar outcomes and the same public institution advantages. Virginia Commonwealth University admits 93.1% of applicants while producing graduates earning $58,128, though at higher net costs.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
