CNU vs. SVU

Comparable Facts

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

Christopher Newport University is larger than SVU based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CNU vs. SVU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or SVU? 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 SVU ($23,148 vs. $24,561).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Virginia University are 20.6% lower than at Christopher Newport University ($9,894 vs. $12,460).
• Southern Virginia University is 26.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $4,452 more per year; $21,280.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.5% higher at CNU than at Southern Virginia University (about $9,898 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $21,280.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Virginia University than at Christopher Newport University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christopher Newport University students is 4.5% larger than aid received by Southern Virginia University students ($10,494 vs. $10,041).

CNU vs. SVU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Christopher Newport University (1180) is 80 points higher than at SVU (1100).
• Incoming CNU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at SVU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 1060/1290; Southern Virginia University 943/1253.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 25/30; Southern Virginia University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; SVU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at SVU (3.19).
• SVU has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than CNU (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 21.4% at SVU.

CNU vs. SVU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and SVU? 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 Southern Virginia University's (25%).
• Graduates from Christopher Newport University earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than SVU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Virginia University graduates have a $1,346 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($23,654 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, SVU graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($244 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SVU 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.