Academic Comparison between CNU and W&L

Christopher Newport University and Washington and Lee University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. CNU is a four-year, public school located in Newport News, VA and W&L is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Lexington, 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 W&L is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • W&L has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,045) than CNU ($31,178).
  • It is harder to admit to W&L than CNU.
  • W&L has a higher submitted SAT score (1,170) than CNU (1,170).
  • W&L has higher submitted ACT score (27) than CNU (27).
  • CNU has more students with 4,454 students while W&L has 2,241 students.
  • W&L has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while CNU's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • CNU has more full-time faculties with 277 faculties while W&L has 268 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Christopher Newport Universityvs.Washington and Lee University
Newport News, VirginiaLocationLexington, 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 ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$16,828
Out-Of-State$31,178
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,045
57%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$10,626Average Amount of Financial Aid$58,158
86.04 %Acceptance Rates13.97 %
18.05 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)41.15 %
1,170SAT Score1,480
27ACT Score34
72 %Graduation Rate94 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
81 %Retention Rate97 %
4,454Student Population2,241
277Number of Faculties268
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services