CNU vs. Mary Washington College

Comparable Facts

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

Christopher Newport University is larger than Mary Washington College based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 3,826 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Christopher Newport University is located in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting); University of Mary Washington is in Fredericksburg, VA (Small Suburban setting).
• Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Mary Washington is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Christopher Newport University 13:1; University of Mary Washington 13:1.

CNU vs. Mary Washington College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or Mary Washington 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 University of Mary Washington than CNU ($21,800 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 12.6% lower than at University of Mary Washington ($12,460 vs. $14,250).
• Christopher Newport University is 14.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mary Washington College (about $2,188 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $14,640.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.1% higher at CNU than at University of Mary Washington (about $3,618 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $27,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Mary Washington than at Christopher Newport University (99% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christopher Newport University students is 0% larger than aid received by University of Mary Washington students ($10,494 vs. $10,491).

CNU vs. Mary Washington College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CNU or Mary Washington 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 Mary Washington College and CNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Mary Washington (1270) is 90 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming Mary Washington College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at CNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 1060/1290; University of Mary Washington 1170/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 25/30; University of Mary Washington 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; Mary Washington College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Mary Washington College (3.71).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Mary Washington College (79.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 17.7% at Mary Washington College.

CNU vs. Mary Washington College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and Mary Washington 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).

• University of Mary Washington's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from University of Mary Washington earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,500 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Mary Washington graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Mary Washington College graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Mary Washington College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CNU students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 78%)

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.