
700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23504, USA


Norfolk State University holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This accreditation verifies that the university meets established standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness, a factor important for prospective students evaluating degree programs.
In addition to overall institutional accreditation, several specific programs at Norfolk State University have received specialized accreditation. For example, the business programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is a globally recognized mark of quality in business education.
Other academic departments also maintain accreditations from professional bodies relevant to their fields, ensuring that the university's offerings align with industry and educational standards. Such accreditation is key for students seeking programs that support professional licensure or certification.
These accreditations collectively indicate that Norfolk State University adheres to rigorous academic criteria, which is a significant consideration for students when selecting a university that provides recognized and credible degrees.
Norfolk State University requires applicants to have completed high school or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. A secondary school grade point average and academic record are both mandatory components of the application. Additionally, letters of recommendation are required, while submission of specific competencies is suggested but not compulsory.
Prospective students must provide TOEFL scores, reflecting the university's emphasis on English proficiency for non-native speakers. Other standardized tests are recommended but not strictly necessary for admission. The university does not practice an open admission policy, indicating a selective approach to enrollment.
Credit for dual enrollment or concurrent college coursework in high school is not accepted; however, Norfolk State University does award credit for Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Computer access is a factor considered by the university, with a computer lease option available for students.
Applicants typically present relatively low standardized test scores compared to national averages. The mean SAT score is 972, and the average ACT score is 18, placing incoming students in the lower 10th percentile nationally. Despite these scores, the university receives an average number of applications and admits a large proportion of applicants, with an acceptance rate of approximately 87%, ranking it among institutions with the highest acceptance levels nationally.
The application fee at Norfolk State University is a standard part of the admissions process for prospective students. Applicants are required to pay this fee when submitting their application materials for undergraduate programs. The fee supports the administrative costs involved in processing and evaluating applications.
Norfolk State University offers fee waivers to eligible applicants who may face financial challenges. These waivers aim to remove financial barriers and enable a more accessible application process. Students interested in fee waivers typically must provide documentation or meet specific eligibility criteria set by the university.
Additionally, the university may grant waivers as part of certain outreach programs or for students applying through specific channels or partnerships. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire directly with the admissions office about the possibility of fee waivers and the application process for those waivers to ensure they understand the requirements and deadlines involved.
Norfolk State University hosts an ROTC branch unit on its campus, providing students the opportunity to participate in military training alongside their academic studies. This presence enables students to prepare for future leadership roles in the armed forces while pursuing their degrees. Specific details about the branches of ROTC available or additional program options at the university were not provided.
Norfolk State University welcomes transfer students for the fall, spring, and summer terms, providing flexibility for those planning to continue their education throughout the year. The university accepts transfer credits from various standardized examinations, including CLEP General, CLEP Subject, and DANTES tests, which can facilitate the credit transfer process. Additionally, Norfolk State University accepts transfer credits from other accredited institutions, aiding students in progressing toward their degrees without unnecessary repetition of coursework.
Norfolk State University offers several study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic experience of its students through international exposure. These programs allow students to immerse themselves in different cultures while earning credits toward their degrees. The university collaborates with partner institutions and offers faculty-led trips, semester exchanges, and short-term study tours that focus on various disciplines.
Students can participate in faculty-led programs that typically last for a few weeks, providing intensive learning experiences abroad in fields relevant to their studies. Additionally, semester-long exchange programs enable students to study at universities in select countries, integrating fully into another academic environment while continuing their progress at Norfolk State University.
The study abroad offerings emphasize cultural engagement, language development, and academic growth, helping students to build global perspectives and professional skills. These programs are open to all eligible students across various majors, with support provided to assist with housing, travel arrangements, and academic advising throughout the process.
Median composite SAT score
972Median composite ACT score
18Percent of students submitting ACT scores
1%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
3%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer