MSU Moorhead vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare Minnesota State University Moorhead in Moorhead, MN 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 MSU Moorhead based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 4,386 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minnesota State University Moorhead is located in Moorhead, MN (Midsize Suburban setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minnesota State University Moorhead 17:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

MSU Moorhead vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU Moorhead 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 Minnesota State University Moorhead than CNU ($18,221 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minnesota State University Moorhead are 11.8% lower than at Christopher Newport University ($10,994 vs. $12,460).
• Christopher Newport University is 61.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU Moorhead (about $6,400 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 199% higher at CNU than at Minnesota State University Moorhead (about $20,750 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minnesota State University Moorhead than at Christopher Newport University (91% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christopher Newport University students is 62.8% larger than aid received by Minnesota State University Moorhead students ($10,494 vs. $6,446).

MSU Moorhead vs. CNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU Moorhead 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 MSU Moorhead.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minnesota State University Moorhead (1190) is 10 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming CNU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at MSU Moorhead).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 1080/1290; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 18/24; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU Moorhead - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at MSU Moorhead (3.52).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than MSU Moorhead (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at MSU Moorhead vs. 18% at CNU.

MSU Moorhead vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU Moorhead 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).

• Christopher Newport University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Minnesota State University Moorhead's (45%).
• Graduates from Christopher Newport University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than MSU Moorhead graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $42,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates have a $2,724 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($22,276 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, MSU Moorhead graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($230 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU Moorhead students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 65%)

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.