UofSC vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Carolina Columbia in Columbia, SC with Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (38,532 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Columbia is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• University of South Carolina Columbia 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 South Carolina Columbia 19:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

UofSC vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UofSC 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 UofSC ($23,148 vs. $24,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 7.9% lower than at University of South Carolina Columbia ($12,460 vs. $13,534).
• Christopher Newport University is 32.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $4,140 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.4% higher at UofSC than at Christopher Newport University (about $4,794 more per year; $35,972.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Columbia than at Christopher Newport University (91% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christopher Newport University students is 47% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($10,494 vs. $7,139).

UofSC vs. CNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UofSC 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 UofSC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Columbia (1270) is 90 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming UofSC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at CNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UofSC - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UofSC Dec 1, 2026; CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at UofSC (3.69).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than UofSC (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.9% at UofSC vs. 18% at CNU.

UofSC vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UofSC 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).

• University of South Carolina Columbia's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,700 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Carolina Columbia graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, UofSC graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UofSC students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 69%)

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.