Messiah University vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

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

Christopher Newport University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Messiah University is located in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Messiah University 12:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

Messiah University vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Messiah University or CNU? 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 Messiah University ($23,148 vs. $29,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 4.9% lower than at Messiah University ($12,460 vs. $13,098).
• Messiah University is 151% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $25,412 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.5% higher at Messiah University than at Christopher Newport University (about $11,062 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Messiah University than at Christopher Newport University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Messiah University students is 153.2% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($26,576 vs. $10,494).

Messiah University vs. CNU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Messiah University (1230) is 50 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming Messiah University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at CNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 1110/1350; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Messiah University 26/31; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Messiah University - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Messiah University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at CNU (3.79).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Messiah University (79%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.1% at Messiah University vs. 18% at CNU.

Messiah University vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Messiah University and CNU? 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).

• Messiah University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from Messiah University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Christopher Newport University graduates have a $989 lower median loan debt than Messiah University graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,989).
• Among borrowers, CNU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Messiah University graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CNU students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.