CNU vs. Virginia Tech

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia Tech is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (38,857 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Christopher Newport University is located in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting); Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Tech is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Christopher Newport University 13:1; Virginia Tech 17:1.

CNU vs. Virginia Tech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or Virginia Tech? 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 Virginia Tech ($23,148 vs. $24,912).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 24.7% lower than at Virginia Tech ($12,460 vs. $16,550).
• Christopher Newport University is 5.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Virginia Tech (about $880 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $15,948.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.1% higher at Virginia Tech than at Christopher Newport University (about $6,586 more per year; $37,764.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Christopher Newport University than at Virginia Tech (64% vs. 60%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christopher Newport University students is 14.5% larger than aid received by Virginia Tech students ($10,494 vs. $9,168).

CNU vs. Virginia Tech Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia Tech (1370) is 190 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming Virginia Tech students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at CNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 1060/1290; Virginia Tech 1280/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 25/30; Virginia Tech 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; Virginia Tech - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027; Virginia Tech Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Virginia Tech students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at CNU (3.79).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Virginia Tech (54.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 25.3% at Virginia Tech.

CNU vs. Virginia Tech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and Virginia Tech? 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).

• Virginia Tech's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from Virginia Tech earn a median of about $17,900 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,000 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Tech graduates have a $1,034 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($23,966 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Virginia Tech graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($247 vs. $258).
• More Virginia Tech graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CNU students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.