Virginia · Norfolk
Norfolk State University
A public HBCU in Norfolk founded in 1935 and one of the largest historically Black institutions in the country.
Snapshot
At a glance
Undergraduate enrollment
5,392
Admission rate
88%
Retention (first-year)
73%
Completion (150% of time)
39%
Pell recipients
65%
Black undergraduate share
80%
These figures come from federal college data updated May 26, 2026. A dash means the number was not available.
Student body
Undergraduate composition
Black
80%
Hispanic
5%
White
2%
Asian
0%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5%
Nonresident
7%
Unknown
1%
Percentages may not add to 100% when a category is not reported.
Costs
Tuition and financial aid
Tuition, in-state
$10,180
Tuition, out-of-state
$21,682
Median federal loan debt
$17,277
Federal loan recipients
64%
Pell recipients
65%
Sticker tuition only. Real cost after federal, state, and institutional aid is typically lower — see the school’s net price calculator.
Outcomes
Earnings, retention, and completion
Median earnings, 6 years
$33,412
Median earnings, 10 years
$44,666
Median debt
$17,277
Retention
73%
Completion
39%
Earnings and debt are shown only when federal data is available.
Institution
Campus and classification
Accreditor
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Campus setting
City: midsize
Carnegie basic
Master's colleges and universities: medium programs
Undergraduate profile
Full-time four-year, more selective, higher transfer-in
Size and setting
Medium four-year, highly residential
Average faculty salary
$9,767 monthly
Full-time faculty share
54%
DOE unit ID
232937
These labels describe the school’s size, location, and academic mix. They are not rankings.
Test scores
SAT and ACT
SAT (average)
927
ACT composite (25th–75th)
16–22
Middle 50% of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Many HBCUs are test-optional or test-flexible; confirm the current policy at admissions.
52 programs
Academic programs
Undergraduate certificate · 1
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
Associate · 1
- Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
Bachelor · 33
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biology, General
- Business/Commerce, General
- Chemistry
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Engineering, Other
- English Language and Literature, General
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Other
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- History
- Journalism
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Music
- Physics
- Political Science and Government
- Psychology, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Master · 14
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Music
- Physics
- Social Work
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
Doctoral · 3
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Materials Sciences
- Social Work
This is a broad program list. Check the school’s own catalog for current majors, minors, concentrations, and course details.