About Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University is a place where students can achieve their greatest potential and become 21st century leaders. We offer a range of high-quality, 100 percent online degree programs, taught by experienced faculty who will inspire the best from you – and support you every step of the way.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Norfolk State University is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
644Fully Online Graduate Students:
13%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$29,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
91%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$12,969Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesNorfolk State gives budget-focused students a realistic path to finish without taking on heavy debt. The price is repeatedly described as low, including “very low,” and the value is strongest for students who stay engaged term by term. This is a school where personal follow-through and steady progress shape how much return you get from the degree.
Time-to-completion pressure shows up most around aid timing. FAFSA and aid processing delays can affect class access and slow momentum when enrollment steps are held up. Scholarship notices and updates often run through school email, so completion pace is closely tied to how quickly aid items move and how smoothly registration clears each term.
At Norfolk State, classroom support is a real strength. Professors are caring, knowledgeable, and ready to help. They focus on more than getting work done. They help students learn key ideas and give clear direction when classes get hard.
Financial aid support can be less steady at times. FAFSA and aid processing delays may affect class access during registration. Fast replies and strong follow-through matter most in those moments. Overall, Norfolk State offers strong academic support from professors, with less consistent timing in some aid-related steps.
Online learners at Norfolk State benefit most from instructor support. Professors are known for helping with core concepts. They also encourage questions and critical thinking in class work.
The pace works best with steady communication. Keep close contact with instructors during the term. Watch school email often for updates that affect schedule and access. This setup fits students who stay organized and move quickly when school notices arrive.
At Norfolk State, class quality often comes down to strong teaching and steady student effort. Professors are known for knowing their subjects and supporting students. They explain core ideas, not just assignment steps. Many classes invite questions and push students to think through problems.
Workload and rigor can vary by instructor, and the pace rewards students who stay engaged each week. The message is clear. You get out what you put in. Norfolk State is a strong choice for students who want hands-on teaching support and plan to stay involved all term.
Norfolk State has a positive core with one clear friction point. Professors are the biggest strength here. Teaching is knowledgeable, supportive, and concept-focused. Classes reward effort and active participation.
Cost is another plus. The school is described as low cost, even very low. The main issue is aid workflow reliability. FAFSA and aid delays can affect class access.
That can slow progress if timing slips. Overall, NSU fits students who want lower price and engaged professors. It works best for students who stay organized and track school communications closely.
Norfolk State has a positive core with one clear friction point. Professors are the biggest strength here. Teaching is knowledgeable, supportive, and concept-focused. Classes reward effort and active participation.
Cost is another plus. The school is described as low cost, even very low. The main issue is aid workflow reliability. FAFSA and aid delays can affect class access.
That can slow progress if timing slips. Overall, NSU fits students who want lower price and engaged professors. It works best for students who stay organized and track school communications closely.
Online Programs offered by Norfolk State University
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Frequently Asked Questions About Norfolk State University
Is Norfolk State University accredited?
Yes. Norfolk State University is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How many online programs does Norfolk State University offer?
Norfolk State University offers 21 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Norfolk State University offer?
Norfolk State University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Norfolk State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Norfolk State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Norfolk State University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Norfolk State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Norfolk State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Norfolk State University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.5 to 3.0, and 2.8 appears most often.
Is Norfolk State University military friendly?
Norfolk State University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Norfolk State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Norfolk State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Resume/CV, and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Norfolk State University accept life experience credit?
Norfolk State University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Norfolk State University programs fully online or mixed?
Norfolk State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
Do any Norfolk State University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Norfolk State University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Norfolk State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Norfolk State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Norfolk State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Norfolk State University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Norfolk State University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Norfolk State University is featured in 9 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Norfolk State University is located in Virginia
Virginia at a Glance:

Top Majors in Virginia:
Top Incentives in Virginia:
- Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant: Up to $4,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in Virginia:
- Entry Level: Security Analyst ($80,000)
- Mid Level: Security Engineer ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Security Director ($175,000+)
- Required Education: BS Cybersecurity
- Certifications: Security+, CISSP










