University College of Southeast Norway
The University College of Southeast Norway (HSN) was a significant institution in Norwegian higher education that served the southeastern region before merging to form the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) in 2018. The merger combined several regional colleges with long histories of providing professional and technical education, creating one of Norway's larger higher education institutions with a strong focus on practical, career-oriented programs. The institution's heritage traces back through multiple predecessor colleges established throughout the 20th century, each serving local communities with technical, pedagogical, and health education. The University College of Southeast Norway represented a consolidation of these traditions, bringing together expertise from across the region while maintaining close ties to local industries and communities. HSN was characterized by its strong connections to regional business and industry, particularly in engineering, technology, and maritime sectors. The institution developed specialized programs responding to employer needs, producing graduates prepared for immediate workforce entry. Research focused on applied questions with practical relevance to regional challenges. The institution's mission emphasized accessibility and regional development, providing higher education opportunities throughout Southeast Norway. Multiple campuses ensured geographic reach while supporting local economic development. This regional commitment continues through the University of South-Eastern Norway, which inherited HSN's campus infrastructure and many of its academic programs and traditions.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
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- Type
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- Student:Faculty
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- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life distributes across multiple campuses, each with its own character and community. Larger campuses offer more activities and services, while smaller locations provide intimate settings where students know each other well. This variation means experiences differ significantly depending on location choice. Student housing availability varies by campus. Norway housing costs challenge student budgets everywhere, but campus accommodations can reduce expenses compared to private market alternatives. Competition for student housing can be intense, particularly at popular campuses. Student organizations operate at campus and university-wide levels. Sports clubs, cultural groups, and professional associations provide community beyond classroom connections. Norwegian student traditions include events and celebrations that international students can join to experience local culture. Norwegian social culture can feel reserved to visitors from more outgoing countries. Making friends takes time and effort, as Norwegians typically build relationships slowly. International students should plan to initiate social contact rather than waiting for invitations. Student organizations and structured activities provide natural meeting opportunities. Outdoor recreation represents a central part of Norwegian life. Hiking, skiing, and nature appreciation run deep in the culture. Campuses provide access to mountains, fjords, and forests that offer weekend and after-class escapes. Students who embrace outdoor activities integrate more easily into Norwegian social patterns.
Location & Surroundings
The USN network spans southern and eastern Norway, with Drammen serving as a major hub. Drammen lies just west of Oslo, connected by regular train service that takes about 40 minutes. This proximity provides access to the capital city cultural and entertainment resources while maintaining lower housing costs than Oslo proper. Other campuses spread through smaller cities and towns, each with distinct local character. Kongsberg offers engineering traditions tied to historic weapons manufacturing. Bode claims a smaller, more intimate setting with strong regional identity. The variety means prospective students can match location preferences with available programs. Norwegian climate brings genuine seasons with cold, dark winters and bright summer days. Winter months require appropriate clothing and acceptance of limited daylight. Many Norwegians embrace the season through skiing and other winter sports. Summers bring extended daylight with nearly continuous sun in northern regions. Living costs in Norway rank among the world highest. Groceries, transportation, restaurants, and entertainment all cost more than in most countries. Students must budget carefully, and those from lower-cost countries face sticker shock upon arrival. Part-time work can help, though balancing studies with employment requires discipline. Transportation within Norway works well through trains and buses connecting major cities. Owning a car adds expense most students avoid. Within cities and towns, walking and cycling handle many trips. The geographic spread means travel between campuses takes time and planning.
Costs & Career Outcomes
The absence of tuition makes Norwegian higher education remarkably affordable at the fee level, but living expenses offset this advantage significantly. Students should budget 12,000 to 15,000 euros annually for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Costs run higher in Oslo and lower in smaller cities, but Norway remains expensive everywhere. Financial support includes Norwegian government programs for eligible students and limited scholarships for international applicants. Part-time work opportunities exist, though non-EU students face work permit restrictions. The maximum allowed work hours may not generate enough income to cover all expenses. Career outcomes reflect program choices and Norwegian labor market conditions. Healthcare and education graduates find employment relatively easily given persistent demand. Engineering and technology graduates enter industries that value Norwegian qualifications. International students may face work permit challenges after graduation, though Norway offers pathways for skilled graduates. The Norwegian professional context values education credentials, and USN degrees carry recognition within the country. Employers understand the practical orientation and expect graduates to contribute productively. The alumni network spans Norwegian industries and public sector organizations. For international students, the career question involves whether to seek Norwegian employment or return home. Norwegian qualifications transfer to other European countries through recognition agreements. Those returning to home countries should consider whether Norwegian degrees carry weight in local job markets. Students who master Norwegian language and culture improve their prospects for long-term Norwegian careers.
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