Salem College vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC 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 Salem College based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem College is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem College 9:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

Salem College vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem College 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 Salem College than CNU ($18,668 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 9.1% lower than at Salem College ($12,460 vs. $13,710).
• Salem College is 101.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $17,020 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.6% higher at Salem College than at Christopher Newport University (about $2,670 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem College than at Christopher Newport University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem College students is 185.9% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($30,001 vs. $10,494).

Salem College vs. CNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem College 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 Salem College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Christopher Newport University (1180) is 30 points higher than at Salem College (1150).
• Incoming CNU students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 19 at Salem College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 1066/1243; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 16/22; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem College - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Salem College (76.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Salem College vs. 18% at CNU.

Salem College vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem College 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 Salem College's (53%).
• Graduates from Christopher Newport University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Christopher Newport University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Salem College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, CNU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 53%)

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.