CNU Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 86.04%. Not very selective
- SAT Average: 1170. Average SAT scores, indicating a moderately competitive applicant pool.
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $16,828
- Out-of-State Tuition: $31,178
- Tuition rates are on the higher end, which may reflect the institution's resources or prestige.
Student Population at CNU:
- Total Enrollment: 4,454
- 4,369 Undergraduate, 85 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 47.4% men, 52.6% women.
- This is a lower medium-sized institution, balancing resources and a sense of community.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 72%. High graduation rate, indicating strong student support and academic success.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 81%. Good retention, typical for many institutions.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 28 academic programs available.
- Graduate Programs: 4 graduate-level programs offered.
- Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Bachelor's, Master's.
CNU Overview
Christopher Newport University (CNU) is a four-year, public school located in Newport News, VA. Christopher Newport University was newly reclassified as an Research College/University (Master's College and University (smaller programs)) in 2025 due to changes in its research activities and doctoral program offerings.
The CNU's tuition & fees is $16,828 for Virginia residents and $31,178 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 57% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $10,626.
The school has a total enrollment of 4,454 and the students to faculty ratio is 13 to 1 (7.69%).
CNU's acceptance rate is 86.04% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 18.05%. The median SAT score is 1170 and the ACT score is 27.
CNU ranked 13rd in Virginia Colleges rankings. Christopher Newport University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Christopher Newport University is $16,828 for in-state students and $31,178 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $13,050 for in-state students and $22,986 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $17,319 for Virginia residents and $31,369 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $13,196 for Virginia residents and $23,131 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $16,828 | $31,178 |
|---|
| Graduate | $13,050 | $22,986 |
|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $17,319 | $31,369 |
|---|
| Graduate | $13,196 | $23,131 |
|---|
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
Christopher Newport University offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at CNU
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | Army |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | No |
|---|
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
|---|
| Study Abroad | Yes |
|---|
| On-Campus Services |
|---|
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
|---|
| Employment services for students | Yes |
|---|
| Placement services for completers | Yes |
|---|
| On-campus day care for students' children | No |
|---|
Christopher Newport University Directory Information
Tools for analyzing and comparing CNU