William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare William Paterson University of New Jersey in Wayne, NJ with Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

William Paterson University of New Jersey is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (9,942 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• William Paterson University of New Jersey is located in Wayne, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• William Paterson University of New Jersey is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: William Paterson University of New Jersey 18:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, William Paterson University of New Jersey 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 William Paterson University of New Jersey than CNU ($13,509 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 23.3% lower than at William Paterson University of New Jersey ($12,460 vs. $16,240).
• Christopher Newport University is 7.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than William Paterson University of New Jersey (about $1,124 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $15,704.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23% higher at CNU than at William Paterson University of New Jersey (about $5,834 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $25,344.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Paterson University of New Jersey than at Christopher Newport University (86% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by William Paterson University of New Jersey students is 43.3% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($15,040 vs. $10,494).

William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. CNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, William Paterson University of New Jersey 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 William Paterson University of New Jersey.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Christopher Newport University (1180) is 10 points higher than at William Paterson University of New Jersey (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Paterson University of New Jersey 990/1345; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsChristopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: William Paterson University of New Jersey - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: William Paterson University of New Jersey Jun 1, 2027; CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.82 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at William Paterson University of New Jersey (2.97).
• William Paterson University of New Jersey has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than CNU (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. 18% at CNU.

William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for William Paterson University of New Jersey 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 William Paterson University of New Jersey's (46%).
• Graduates from Christopher Newport University earn a median of about $600 more per year than William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $46,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($24,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, William Paterson University of New Jersey 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 William Paterson University of New Jersey students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 59%)

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.