CNU vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Longwood University is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (4,612 students vs. 4,454 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Christopher Newport University is located in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Christopher Newport University 13:1; Longwood University 15:1.

CNU vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or Longwood 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 Longwood University than CNU ($20,847 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 28.5% lower than at Longwood University ($12,460 vs. $17,424).
• Christopher Newport University is 6.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Longwood University (about $1,084 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $15,744.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.4% higher at CNU than at Longwood University (about $3,200 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $27,978.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Longwood University than at Christopher Newport University (97% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Longwood University students is 33% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($13,954 vs. $10,494).

CNU vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CNU or Longwood University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Longwood University and CNU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Christopher Newport University (1180) is 60 points higher than at Longwood University (1120).
• Incoming CNU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 22 at Longwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Christopher Newport University 1060/1290; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Christopher Newport University 25/30; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman CNU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Longwood University (3.59).
• Longwood University has a higher acceptance rate (90.2%) than CNU (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 17% at Longwood University.

CNU vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and Longwood University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Christopher Newport University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Longwood University's (60%).
• Graduates from Christopher Newport University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Longwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $43,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Longwood University and CNU graduates have the same median loan debt ($25,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Longwood University and CNU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($258 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Longwood University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 77%)

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.