Norfolk State University is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Norfolk State University (Norfolk State NSU) is 89.5%. This means that 90 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitiveness is Norfolk State University Admissions?
- Slightly Competitive: Applicants need average academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

Although the acceptance rate is high, remember that to secure admission to any institution of higher learning, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. If you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as Norfolk State NSU is not very strict in its admission, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
To enhance your chances of admission, perform well in academics and other activities. If your GPA is not excellent, compensate by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can improve your chances of admission.
Norfolk State University Admission Requirements
Norfolk State NSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Norfolk State NSU is 2.9. This suggests moderate selectivity.
A mix of A’s, B’s, and some C’s is common. Higher SAT/ACT scores can compensate for a lower GPA.
If your GPA is between 2.6 and 2.9, aim for a strong standardized test score. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is necessary for admission.
Can I Get Into Norfolk State NSU Without SAT Or ACT?: Norfolk State University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Norfolk State University (Norfolk State NSU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Norfolk State University Average SAT Score: 949
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Norfolk State University is 949 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Norfolk State University SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 949 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1040 SAT or 20 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Norfolk State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 840, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Norfolk State NSU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Norfolk State University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
SAT Math | 460 | 410 | 510 |
SAT Reading | 480 | 430 | 530 |
SAT Composite | 949 | 840 | 1040 |
It means that if you have scored less than 840 then you are below most of the admitted students at Norfolk State NSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1040 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 950
Can I get into Norfolk State University (Norfolk State NSU) with a 1050 SAT?
With a 1050 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Norfolk State University (Norfolk State NSU) are good but the admission staff at Norfolk State NSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Norfolk State University (Norfolk State NSU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Norfolk State NSU is 18.
Norfolk State University ACT Competitiveness

This score makes Norfolk State University an easy target or ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 18 on the ACT.
Norfolk State University ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
ACT Math | 18 | 15 | 20 |
ACT English | 0 | 0 | 0 |
ACT Composite | 18 | 15 | 20 |
Can I get into Norfolk State University with a 20 ACT?
With a 20 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Norfolk State University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at Norfolk State University. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 18.Norfolk State NSU Profile
Name: Norfolk State University (Norfolk State NSU)
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from Norfolk State NSU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Norfolk State University is USD: 26039. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Norfolk State University is USD: 15577
How can I get a scholarship?
62.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 62.28 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Norfolk State NSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Norfolk State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Norfolk State NSU as your choice in the form.
How much a Norfolk State NSU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Norfolk State NSU graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 44666. An average Norfolk State NSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595

Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Norfolk State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Norfolk State University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Alabama A & M University | Alabama A & M University, AL | 920 | 17 |
Delaware State University | Delaware State University, DE | 939 | 22 |
Bethune-Cookman University | Bethune-Cookman University, FL | 903 | 17 |
St Luke's College | St Luke's College, IA | 910 | 17 |
Grambling State University | Grambling State University, LA | 938 | 17 |
Bowie State University | Bowie State University, MD | 910 | NA |
Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville State University, NC | 915 | 17 |
Winston-Salem State University | Winston-Salem State University, NC | 921 | 17 |
Wilberforce University | Wilberforce University, OH | 910 | 16 |
Benedict College | Benedict College, SC | 900 | NA |

Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Norfolk State University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Norfolk State University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Delaware State University | Delaware State University, DE | 939 | 22 |
Gordon State College | Gordon State College, GA | 952 | 17 |
Boise Bible College | Boise Bible College, ID | 950 | NA |
Lewis-Clark State College | Lewis-Clark State College, ID | 940 | NA |
Governors State University | Governors State University, IL | 945 | NA |

More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Norfolk State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Faulkner University | Faulkner University, AL | 1021 | 21 |
University of West Alabama | University of West Alabama, AL | 1015 | 19 |
Central Baptist College | Central Baptist College, AR | 1011 | 21 |
Henderson State University | Henderson State University, AR | 1019 | 19 |
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biology, General
- Business/Commerce, General
- Chemistry
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Construction Engineering Technologies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Full list of All degree programs offered by Norfolk State University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.