Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Norfolk State University

Norfolk, VA

Total Enrollment

6,045

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

57

57 programs

Full-Time Students

4,899

611 part-time

Total FTE

5,183

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

18:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
6,045
Total Students
Size compared to other colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 57
High diversity
~106 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest colleges nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Norfolk State University operates as a large college with 6,045 students across 57 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 6,045 students, Norfolk State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 57 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 4,899 (88.9%)
88.9%
Part-Time Students 611 (11.1%)
Total Students 5,510

Predominantly full-time students (88.9%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (81.0%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
66.4%
4,011 students
Men
33.6%
2,034 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Black/African American
82.9%
5,011 students
Black/African American
82.9% (5,011)
Two or More Races
5.8% (350)
Hispanic/Latino
5.0% (302)
White
2.4% (145)
International Students
2.1% (127)
Asian
0.3% (18)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.1% (8)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (66%) across 6,045 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Black/African American students make up 83% of the student body (5,011 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 66% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

5,510 students

33% Men, 67% Women
4,899 Full-time 611 Part-time
Diversity Index: 28% • Minority Students: 90%

Graduate students

535 students

39% Men, 61% Women
353 Full-time 182 Part-time
Diversity Index: 50% • Minority Students: 75%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

5,252
All full-time students
1,774 men, 3,478 women
Diversity: 29%

FT Undergraduate

4,899
Full-time undergraduate
1,645 men, 3,254 women
Diversity: 28%

FT Degree-Seeking

4,898
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,644 men, 3,254 women
Diversity: 28%

FT First-Time

1,414
Full-time first-time students
495 men, 919 women
Diversity: 32%

FT Continuing

3,484
Full-time continuing students
1,149 men, 2,335 women
Diversity: 26%

FT Transfer

271
Full-time transfer students
89 men, 182 women
Diversity: 44%

FT Continuing

3,213
Full-time other continuing
1,060 men, 2,153 women
Diversity: 24%

FT Non-Degree

1
Full-time non-degree seeking
0
Diversity: 0%

FT Graduate

353
Full-time graduate students
129 men, 224 women
Diversity: 47%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

793
All part-time students
260 men, 533 women
Diversity: 40%

PT Undergraduate

611
Part-time undergraduate
178 men, 433 women
Diversity: 35%

PT Degree-Seeking

597
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
170 men, 427 women
Diversity: 35%

PT First-Time

89
Part-time first-time students
27 men, 62 women
Diversity: 35%

PT Continuing

508
Part-time continuing students
143 men, 365 women
Diversity: 35%

PT Transfer

43
Part-time transfer students
5 men, 38 women
Diversity: 42%

PT Continuing

465
Part-time other continuing
138 men, 327 women
Diversity: 35%

PT Non-Degree

14
Part-time non-degree seeking
8 men, 6 women
Diversity: 37%

PT Graduate

182
Part-time graduate students
82 men, 100 women
Diversity: 55%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

110
White
4,640
Black/African American
280
Hispanic/Latino
11
Asian
84
International
Diversity Index: 28% Minority Students: 90%

Graduate students

35
White
371
Black/African American
22
Hispanic/Latino
7
Asian
43
International
Diversity Index: 50% Minority Students: 75%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Norfolk State University's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 6,045 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (81.0%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 5,183 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 83% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (18:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
Diversity Focus: Serves a diverse student population with 83% Black/African American students, contributing to cultural diversity and inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

700 Park Avenue

Norfolk, VA 23504-8000

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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