CNU vs. Roanoke College

Comparable Facts

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

Christopher Newport University is larger than Roanoke College based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 1,804 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CNU vs. Roanoke College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or Roanoke College? 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 Roanoke College ($23,148 vs. $26,044).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 18.9% lower than at Roanoke College ($12,460 vs. $15,366).
• Roanoke College is 126.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $21,240 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.1% higher at Roanoke College than at Christopher Newport University (about $6,890 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Roanoke College than at Christopher Newport University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Roanoke College students is 168.6% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($28,188 vs. $10,494).

CNU vs. Roanoke College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Roanoke College (1200) is 20 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming CNU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Roanoke College (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 1060/1290; Roanoke College 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 25/30; Roanoke College 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; Roanoke College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Roanoke College (3.56).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Roanoke College (83.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 9.7% at Roanoke College.

CNU vs. Roanoke College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and Roanoke College? 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).

• Roanoke College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from Roanoke College earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 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 Roanoke College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, CNU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roanoke College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Roanoke College students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 75%)

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.