Rowan University vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ with Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rowan University is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (21,026 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Rowan University vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rowan 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 Rowan University ($23,148 vs. $23,761).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 26.4% lower than at Rowan University ($12,460 vs. $16,928).
• Christopher Newport University is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rowan University (about $254 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $16,574.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.8% higher at CNU than at Rowan University (about $4,246 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $26,932.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rowan University than at Christopher Newport University (93% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rowan University students is 18.3% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($12,419 vs. $10,494).

Rowan University vs. CNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rowan 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 Rowan University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rowan University (1210) is 30 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming CNU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Rowan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rowan University 1110/1310; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rowan University 23/29; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rowan University - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Rowan University (3.44).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Rowan University (77.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at Rowan University vs. 18% at CNU.

Rowan University vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rowan 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).

• Rowan University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from Rowan University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,300 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rowan University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($20,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Rowan University graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($206 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rowan University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 67%)

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.