CNU vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Christopher Newport University is located in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Christopher Newport University 13:1; Liberty University 18:1.

CNU vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or Liberty University? 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 Liberty University ($23,148 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 9.9% lower than at Liberty University ($12,460 vs. $13,835).
• Liberty University is 33.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $5,637 more per year; $22,465.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.8% higher at CNU than at Liberty University (about $8,713 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Liberty University than at Christopher Newport University (97% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Liberty University students is 19% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($12,489 vs. $10,494).

CNU vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CNU or Liberty University? 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 Liberty University and CNU.

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Christopher Newport University (1180) is 30 points higher than at Liberty University (1150).
• Incoming CNU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Liberty University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 1060/1290; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 25/30; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than CNU (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

CNU vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and Liberty University? 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 Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Christopher Newport University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Liberty University graduates have a $834 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($24,166 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($249 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 36%)

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.