CNU vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

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

Christopher Newport University is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Christopher Newport University is located in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Christopher Newport University 13:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

CNU vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond ($23,148 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 27.3% lower than at University of Richmond ($12,460 vs. $17,140).
• University of Richmond is 287.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $48,402 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 109.2% higher at University of Richmond than at Christopher Newport University (about $34,052 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Christopher Newport University than at University of Richmond (64% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Richmond students is 386.4% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($51,039 vs. $10,494).

CNU vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CNU or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond and CNU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Richmond (1470) is 290 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming University of Richmond students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 27 at CNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 1060/1290; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 25/30; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at University of Richmond (3.71).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than University of Richmond (22.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

CNU vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and University of Richmond? 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 Richmond's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from University of Richmond earn a median of about $26,800 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,900 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have a $3,852 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($21,148 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($218 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond 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.