Washington College vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington College in Chestertown, MD 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 Washington College based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington College is located in Chestertown, MD (Distant Town setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Washington College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington College 8:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

Washington College vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington 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 Christopher Newport University than Washington College ($23,148 vs. $29,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 31.7% lower than at Washington College ($12,460 vs. $18,250).
• Washington College is 228.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $38,498 more per year; $55,326.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.5% higher at Washington College than at Christopher Newport University (about $24,148 more per year; $55,326.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington College than at Christopher Newport University (100% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington College students is 314.4% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($43,485 vs. $10,494).

Washington College vs. CNU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington College (1270) is 90 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming Washington College 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: Washington College 1140/1390; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 27/31; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington College - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington College Feb 15, 2027; CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Washington College (3.71).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Washington College (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Washington College vs. 18% at CNU.

Washington College vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington 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).

• Washington College's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from Washington College earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,800 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington College graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($24,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Washington College graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($250 vs. $258).
• More Washington College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CNU students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 78%)

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.