CNU vs. PHC

Comparable Facts

Compare Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA with Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Christopher Newport University is larger than PHC based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 425 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Christopher Newport University is located in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting); Patrick Henry College is in Purcellville, Virginia (Town Fringe setting).
• Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Patrick Henry College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Christopher Newport University 13:1; Patrick Henry College 14:1.

CNU vs. PHC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or PHC? 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 PHC ($23,148 vs. $25,869).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Patrick Henry College are 11.6% lower than at Christopher Newport University ($11,020 vs. $12,460).
• Patrick Henry College is 68.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $11,597 more per year; $28,425.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.7% higher at CNU than at Patrick Henry College (about $2,753 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $28,425.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Patrick Henry College than at Christopher Newport University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Patrick Henry College students is 27.2% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($13,345 vs. $10,494).

CNU vs. PHC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Patrick Henry College (1330) is 150 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming PHC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at CNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 1060/1290; Patrick Henry College 1240/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 25/30; Patrick Henry College 27/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; PHC - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027; PHC Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PHC students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at CNU (3.79).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than PHC (77.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 47.6% at PHC.

CNU vs. PHC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and PHC? 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).

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.