CNU vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

Christopher Newport University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CNU vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or Washington and Lee? 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 Washington and Lee University than CNU ($23,055 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 33.3% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($12,460 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 304.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $51,217 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 118.2% higher at Washington and Lee than at Christopher Newport University (about $36,867 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Christopher Newport University as at Washington and Lee University (64% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 509.3% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($63,945 vs. $10,494).

CNU vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 310 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming Washington and Lee 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; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christopher Newport University 25/30; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at CNU (3.79).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

CNU vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and Washington and Lee? 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).

• Washington and Lee University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $41,900 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CNU students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.