ASU vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Appalachian State University is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

ASU vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU or CNU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Appalachian State University than CNU ($14,978 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 3.2% lower than at Appalachian State University ($12,460 vs. $12,868).
• Christopher Newport University is 122% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $9,249 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.7% higher at CNU than at Appalachian State University (about $5,966 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Christopher Newport University than at Appalachian State University (64% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christopher Newport University students is 30.9% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($10,494 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. CNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU or CNU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between CNU and ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 20 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming CNU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at ASU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027; CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at CNU (3.79).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than CNU (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 18% at CNU.

ASU vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU and CNU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from Christopher Newport University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($211 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ASU students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 74%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.