University of North Dakota vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND with Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of North Dakota is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (15,019 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, ND (Small City setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• University of North Dakota is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of North Dakota 17:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

University of North Dakota vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of North Dakota 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 University of North Dakota than CNU ($18,076 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of North Dakota are 8.6% lower than at Christopher Newport University ($11,390 vs. $12,460).
• Christopher Newport University is 53.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of North Dakota (about $5,877 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $10,951.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 100.2% higher at CNU than at University of North Dakota (about $15,608 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $15,570.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of North Dakota than at Christopher Newport University (86% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christopher Newport University students is 57.5% larger than aid received by University of North Dakota students ($10,494 vs. $6,663).

University of North Dakota vs. CNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of North Dakota 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 University of North Dakota.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of North Dakota (1200) is 20 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming CNU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at University of North Dakota).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Dakota 1110/1290; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Dakota 20/26; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of North Dakota - Test-free; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of North Dakota Aug 17, 2027; CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at University of North Dakota (3.5).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than University of North Dakota (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.7% at University of North Dakota vs. 18% at CNU.

University of North Dakota vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of North Dakota 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 University of North Dakota's (54%).
• Graduates from University of North Dakota earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,700 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of North Dakota graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($24,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, University of North Dakota graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($253 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of North Dakota students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 76%)

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.