Academic Comparison between CNU and SU

Christopher Newport University and Shenandoah University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. CNU is a four-year, public school located in Newport News, VA and SU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Winchester, VA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • CNU is a public and SU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • SU has more expensive tuition & fees ($36,950) than CNU ($31,178).
  • It is harder to admit to SU than CNU.
  • SU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while CNU's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • CNU has more full-time faculties with 277 faculties while SU has 266 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
CNU SU
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Christopher Newport Universityvs.Shenandoah University
Newport News, VirginiaLocationWinchester, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (smaller programs)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$16,828
Out-Of-State$31,178
2025 Tuition & Fees$36,950
57%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$10,626Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,332
86.04 %Acceptance Rates76.95 %
18.05 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)16.71 %
1,170SAT Score-
27ACT Score-
72 %Graduation Rate67 %
-Transfer-out Rate23 %
81 %Retention Rate82 %
4,454Student Population4,454
277Number of Faculties266
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services