College Search
Christopher Newport University

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA · City · 4,365 students
WebsiteCommon AppForbes rankingScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$23,015
Average net priceYour net price
In-state · 2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
73%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
50% typical
$60,509
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$48,772 typical
86%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
77% typical · not scored
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
About

Christopher Newport University is a public liberal arts institution in coastal Virginia, renowned for its strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching, leadership development, and civic engagement. The university is particularly well-regarded for the Luter School of Business, vibrant performing arts programs anchored by the world-class Ferguson Center for the Arts, and rigorous pre-professional tracks in medicine and law. On its striking, modern neo-Georgian campus, students experience a tight-knit, values-driven community centered around small class sizes and a collective commitment to leading "a life of significance." CNU uniquely sets itself apart through its signature President’s Leadership Program, which integrates specialized coursework, study abroad stipends, and hands-on service opportunities into the undergraduate experience.

Wikipedia:Christopher Newport University (CNU) is a public university in Newport News, Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1960 as Christopher Newport College, an extension school of the College of William and Mary for mid-career working professionals, members of the military, and non-traditional students in and around the Newport News area of the Hampton Roads region. The university has since expanded into a residential college for traditional students.

Location
Newport News, VA, 23606-3072 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
ORF · Norfolk
29 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
In-stateOut-of-state
Tuition & fees$16,828$31,178
Housing & food (on campus)$12,460$12,460
Books & supplies$1,564$1,564
Cost of attendance$37,115$52,696
Average net price$23,015Not published
Out-of-state prices
Tuition & fees$31,178
In-state: $16,828
Housing & food (on campus)$12,460
Books & supplies$1,564
Cost of attendance$52,696
In-state: $37,115
Average net priceNot published
In-state: $23,015
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: cnu.edu
How it’s made up · out-of-state, 2025-26
Christopher Newport University’s own figures for 2025-26, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$31,440
Housing$8,776
Food$5,356
Books & supplies$1,604
Personal expenses$2,592
Transportation$2,860
Total published by the school$52,696
See how the in-state total ($37,115) is made up
How it’s made up · in-state, 2025-26
Christopher Newport University’s own figures for 2025-26, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$17,219
Housing$8,776
Food$5,356
Books & supplies$1,604
Personal expenses$2,592
Transportation$1,500
Total published by the school$37,115
Net price by family income · in-state students, 2023-24
$0–30k
$12,461
$30–48k
$12,752
$48–75k
$14,163
$75–110k
$22,776
$110k+
$30,584
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
73%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
64%
Back for yr 2
81%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
76% graduated · 23% transferred · 2% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$51,931
10 yrs after entry$60,509
Debt
Median at graduation$25,000
Monthly payment$265
Middle 50% owe$9.5k–$27k
90th percentile$30,820
Green marks a figure above the typical Master's (small programs): 50% graduate within 6 yrs, $48,772 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
86%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
1180
R 550–660 · M 510–630
ACT midpoint
27
Comp 25–30
SAT middle 50%: 1060–1290
40080012001600

Wondering if Christopher Newport University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Essay prompts

If Christopher Newport University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 48%Women 52%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
13 : 1
Pell grant
16%
First-gen
18%
Family income
$97,520
Independent
2%
Age at entry
19.0
Part-time
2%
Race & ethnicity
White
68%
Hispanic
9%
Black
9%
Asian
4%
Two or more
6%
Unknown
3%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division III with football · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Field Hockey
    Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Lacrosse
    Men's · Women's
  • Sailing
    Co-ed
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Indoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$51,931
After 10 yrs
$60,509
Business Administration, Management and Operations182
Psychology, General152
Biology, General132
Communication and Media Studies81
Political Science and Government61
Computer Science60
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other52
Sociology48
History44
Visual and Performing Arts, General40
Information Science/Studies39
English Language and Literature, General38
Neurobiology and Neurosciences29
Chemistry27
Mathematics26
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering23
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$54M
Full-time faculty
67%
Faculty salary
$10,989/mo
Teaching spend
$12,950
per student
Federal loans
37%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (small programs)
Research activity
Research college or university
$4M research spending
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions

Wondering if Christopher Newport University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search