Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Newport News, Virginia |
| Online | cnu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Christopher Newport University (CNU) is a public liberal arts university located in Newport News, Virginia, approximately 20 miles from the historic city of Williamsburg. Founded in 1960, CNU is a relatively young institution that has quickly developed a reputation for its rigorous academic environment and selective admissions process. The campus is notable for its modern and neo-classical architecture, providing a picturesque environment that is complemented by state-of-the-art facilities. With a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, CNU offers a variety of majors, with programs in business, psychology, and biology being particularly popular among undergraduates. On-campus living is a prominent aspect of the student experience, as the university emphasizes residential education with the majority of students residing in university housing. While Christopher Newport University does not primarily focus on athletics, it competes in NCAA Division III as the Captains, with particular prominence in sports such as football and sailing.
In the most recent statistical year 7,428 prospective students applied, and 6,340 were granted admission. Of those admitted 1,161 enrolled in the school. 4,432 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 127 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $9,375 plus fees of $6,050. CNU is ranked 390 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
CNU is rated within the top 41% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Christopher Newport University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#390 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#113 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#11 in Best Colleges in Virginia
#8 in Best Public Colleges in Virginia
#571 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#18 in Best Value Colleges in Virginia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1100/1290 |
| ACT | 22/29 |
| GPA | 3.79 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Feb 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Virginia Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,396 |
| Other Fees | $6,050 |
| Room and Board | $11,990 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,988 |
| Total One Year Cost | $32,799 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,396 |
| Other Fees | $6,050 |
| Room and Board | $11,990 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,988 |
| Total One Year Cost | $46,037 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 15% |
| Communication | 13% |
| Biology | 12% |
| Business | 11% |
| Psychology | 11% |
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Students considering CNU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Christopher Newport University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=231712 IPEDS survey data for Christopher Newport University.
Current students may use the Christopher Newport University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024