Purchase College vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare SUNY at Purchase College in Purchase, NY 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 Purchase College based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 3,333 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• SUNY at Purchase College is located in Purchase, NY (Large Suburban setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• SUNY at Purchase College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: SUNY at Purchase College 12:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

Purchase College vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College than CNU ($18,211 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 24.2% lower than at SUNY at Purchase College ($12,460 vs. $16,436).
• Christopher Newport University is 88% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purchase College (about $7,875 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $8,953.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.4% higher at CNU than at SUNY at Purchase College (about $11,975 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $19,203.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at SUNY at Purchase College than at Christopher Newport University (72% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christopher Newport University students is 0.6% larger than aid received by SUNY at Purchase College students ($10,494 vs. $10,432).

Purchase College vs. CNU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at SUNY at Purchase College (1280) is 100 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming Purchase College 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: SUNY at Purchase College 1185/1380; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: SUNY at Purchase College 27/30; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Purchase College - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Purchase College Jul 1, 2027; CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Purchase College (3.37).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Purchase College (74%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Purchase College vs. 18% at CNU.

Purchase College vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Purchase 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 SUNY at Purchase College's (56%).
• Graduates from Christopher Newport University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Purchase College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY at Purchase College graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Purchase College graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Purchase College 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.