Arcadia vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare Arcadia University in Glenside, PA with Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Christopher Newport University is larger than Arcadia based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 3,404 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arcadia University is located in Glenside, PA (Large Suburban setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Arcadia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arcadia University 10:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

Arcadia vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arcadia 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 Christopher Newport University than Arcadia ($23,148 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 27.5% lower than at Arcadia University ($12,460 vs. $17,180).
• Arcadia University is 194.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $32,782 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.1% higher at Arcadia than at Christopher Newport University (about $18,432 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arcadia University than at Christopher Newport University (99% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arcadia University students is 230.7% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($34,705 vs. $10,494).

Arcadia vs. CNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arcadia 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 Arcadia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Christopher Newport University (1180) is 10 points higher than at Arcadia (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arcadia University 1065/1265; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsChristopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arcadia - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Arcadia (3.42).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Arcadia (80.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.4% at Arcadia vs. 18% at CNU.

Arcadia vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arcadia 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).

• Christopher Newport University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Arcadia University's (62%).
• Graduates from Christopher Newport University earn a median of about $700 more per year than Arcadia graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Christopher Newport University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Arcadia graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, CNU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arcadia graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arcadia students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 69%)

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.