WCU vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare West Chester University of Pennsylvania in West Chester, PA with Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (17,171 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania is located in West Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: West Chester University of Pennsylvania 20:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

WCU vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania than CNU ($22,546 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 16% lower than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania ($12,460 vs. $14,828).
• Christopher Newport University is 56.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $6,053 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $10,775.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38% higher at CNU than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (about $8,579 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $22,599.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Chester University of Pennsylvania than at Christopher Newport University (73% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christopher Newport University students is 83.8% larger than aid received by West Chester University of Pennsylvania students ($10,494 vs. $5,709).

WCU vs. CNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WCU 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 WCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (1190) is 10 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming CNU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: West Chester University of Pennsylvania 1100/1270; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: West Chester University of Pennsylvania 24/28; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at WCU (3.43).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than WCU (78.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WCU vs. 18% at CNU.

WCU vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU 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).

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from West Chester University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Chester University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($23,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($242 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 75%)

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.