CNU vs. Sweet Briar College

Comparable Facts

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

Christopher Newport University is larger than Sweet Briar College based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 444 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Christopher Newport University is located in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting); Sweet Briar College is in Sweet Briar, VA (Small Suburban setting).
• Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Sweet Briar College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Christopher Newport University 13:1; Sweet Briar College 9:1.

CNU vs. Sweet Briar College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or Sweet Briar 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 Sweet Briar College than CNU ($21,322 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 18.2% lower than at Sweet Briar College ($12,460 vs. $15,230).
• Sweet Briar College is 55.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $9,332 more per year; $26,160.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.2% higher at CNU than at Sweet Briar College (about $5,018 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $26,160.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sweet Briar College than at Christopher Newport University (99% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sweet Briar College students is 113.3% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($22,387 vs. $10,494).

CNU vs. Sweet Briar College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CNU or Sweet Briar 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 Sweet Briar College and CNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sweet Briar College (1210) is 30 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 1060/1290; Sweet Briar College 1100/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; Sweet Briar College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Sweet Briar College (3.54).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Sweet Briar College (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 13.2% at Sweet Briar College.

CNU vs. Sweet Briar College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and Sweet Briar 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).

• Sweet Briar College's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from Christopher Newport University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Sweet Briar College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Christopher Newport University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Sweet Briar College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, CNU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Sweet Briar College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Sweet Briar College students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 72%)

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.