Norfolk State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Norfolk State University?

Norfolk State's reported four-year graduation rate is 15%, while its reported six-year rate is 39%. These measures track defined groups of entering students over different periods; they do not predict whether a particular student will graduate.

The longer measurement period captures students who need additional time to finish. A separately reported overall graduation measure is 38%, but rates with different definitions or cohorts should not be treated as interchangeable. The reported first-year retention rate is 73%, indicating the share of the measured entering group that returned the following year. Prospective students can use these figures to ask a department about course availability, advising, credit loads, and the feasibility of its published degree plan - without assuming the statistics establish why students did or did not complete.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Norfolk State University?

Potential earnings after Norfolk State depend heavily on a student's field, credential, location, experience, and career path. A single university-wide salary would not adequately describe outcomes across programs such as nursing, social work, engineering, and the arts.

When comparing program earnings in the federal College Scorecard, students should check exactly who is counted and when earnings are measured. A figure measured one year after completion reflects an early career stage, not lifetime earning potential; it may also exclude graduates whose earnings cannot be observed in the underlying records. Earnings are best considered alongside program costs, likely borrowing, licensing requirements, and the kinds of work graduates pursue.