CNU vs. Randolph-Macon

Comparable Facts

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

Christopher Newport University is larger than Randolph-Macon based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 1,687 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Christopher Newport University is located in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting); Randolph Macon College is in Ashland, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Randolph Macon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Christopher Newport University 13:1; Randolph Macon College 11:1.

CNU vs. Randolph-Macon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or Randolph-Macon? 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 Randolph-Macon ($23,148 vs. $28,912).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 14.3% lower than at Randolph Macon College ($12,460 vs. $14,540).
• Randolph Macon College is 194% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $32,638 more per year; $49,466.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.7% higher at Randolph-Macon than at Christopher Newport University (about $18,288 more per year; $49,466.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Randolph Macon College than at Christopher Newport University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Randolph Macon College students is 233.3% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($34,972 vs. $10,494).

CNU vs. Randolph-Macon Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CNU or Randolph-Macon? 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 Randolph-Macon and CNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Christopher Newport University (1180) is 80 points higher than at Randolph-Macon (1100).
• Incoming CNU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Randolph-Macon).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 1060/1290; Randolph Macon College 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 25/30; Randolph Macon College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; Randolph-Macon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027; Randolph-Macon Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Randolph-Macon (3.7).
• Randolph-Macon has a higher acceptance rate (86.6%) than CNU (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 18.9% at Randolph-Macon.

CNU vs. Randolph-Macon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and Randolph-Macon? 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 Randolph Macon College's (60%).
• Graduates from Randolph Macon College earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Christopher Newport University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Randolph-Macon graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, CNU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Randolph-Macon graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Randolph-Macon students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 76%)

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.