CNU vs. Old Dominion

Comparable Facts

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

Old Dominion University is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (23,743 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CNU vs. Old Dominion Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or Old Dominion? 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 Old Dominion University than CNU ($16,419 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 16.3% lower than at Old Dominion University ($12,460 vs. $14,878).
• Christopher Newport University is 32% more expensive for in-state tuition than Old Dominion (about $4,078 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $12,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.3% higher at Old Dominion than at Christopher Newport University (about $2,602 more per year; $33,780.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Old Dominion University than at Christopher Newport University (94% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Old Dominion University students is 11.9% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($11,740 vs. $10,494).

CNU vs. Old Dominion Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CNU or Old Dominion? 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 Old Dominion and CNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Old Dominion University (1190) is 10 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming CNU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Old Dominion).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 1060/1290; Old Dominion University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 25/30; Old Dominion University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; Old Dominion - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027; Old Dominion Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Old Dominion (3.3).
• Old Dominion has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than CNU (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 19.9% at Old Dominion.

CNU vs. Old Dominion Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and Old Dominion? 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 Old Dominion University's (50%).
• Graduates from Old Dominion University earn a median of about $500 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Old Dominion University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($23,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Old Dominion graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($242 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Old Dominion students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 53%)

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.