CNU vs. UVA

Comparable Facts

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

University of Virginia Main Campus is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (26,409 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Christopher Newport University is located in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting); University of Virginia Main Campus is in Charlottesville, VA (Small City setting).
• Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Virginia Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Christopher Newport University 13:1; University of Virginia Main Campus 15:1.

CNU vs. UVA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or UVA? 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 Virginia Main Campus than CNU ($18,427 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 15.8% lower than at University of Virginia Main Campus ($12,460 vs. $14,800).
• University of Virginia Main Campus is 29.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $4,975 more per year; $21,803.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.9% higher at UVA than at Christopher Newport University (about $28,334 more per year; $59,512.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Christopher Newport University than at University of Virginia Main Campus (64% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Virginia Main Campus students is 173.6% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($28,715 vs. $10,494).

CNU vs. UVA Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Virginia Main Campus (1480) is 300 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming UVA students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 27 at CNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 1060/1290; University of Virginia Main Campus 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 25/30; University of Virginia Main Campus 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; UVA - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UVA students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.85) than students at CNU (3.79).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than UVA (16.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 40% at UVA.

CNU vs. UVA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and UVA? 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 Virginia Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from University of Virginia Main Campus earn a median of about $30,100 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,200 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Virginia Main Campus graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($19,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, UVA graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($201 vs. $258).
• More UVA graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CNU students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.