CNU vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

Radford University is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Christopher Newport University is located in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Christopher Newport University 13:1; Radford University 14:1.

CNU vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or RU? 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 Radford University than CNU ($16,749 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 0.4% lower than at Radford University ($12,460 vs. $12,504).
• Christopher Newport University is 34.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than RU (about $4,280 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $12,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.6% higher at CNU than at Radford University (about $5,545 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $25,633.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Radford University than at Christopher Newport University (94% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Radford University students is 13.1% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($11,870 vs. $10,494).

CNU vs. RU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Christopher Newport University (1180) is 130 points higher than at RU (1050).
• Incoming CNU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at RU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 1060/1290; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 25/30; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; RU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at RU (3.31).
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than CNU (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 14.4% at RU.

CNU vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and RU? 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 Radford University's (56%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $300 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($237 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former RU students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 70%)

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.