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Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA·Public·4,402 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. strong 75% graduation rate.

88%
Accept
4,402
Students
$22,197
Net Price
75%
Grad Rate
$52,000
Earnings
10 yr
$19,500
Debt

About This School

Christopher Newport University is a public institution located in Newport News, Virginia with approximately 4,402 undergraduate students enrolled. Christopher Newport University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 88%. The average net price after financial aid is $22,197 per year. The graduation rate is 75%, and the typical graduate earns $52,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

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.

This is a solid option for students who want a traditional residential liberal arts experience at a public school price — the $19,500 median debt at graduation is quite manageable, and a 75% graduation rate is respectable for an open-access school with an 88% acceptance rate. The $52,000 median earnings at 10 years is modest but reasonable given the cost, and the 83% freshman retention rate suggests most students who enroll are reasonably satisfied. Worth considering if you want a tight-knit campus (just 4,400 undergrads) without the sticker shock of a private school, though ambitious students focused on high-earning careers should research specific program outcomes carefully.

Founded
1961
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing17%
Biological Sciences15%
Psychology14%
Social Sciences11%
Computer Science9%
Communications8%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Engineering4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Randall MunroeMojo RawleyCassidy Hutchinson

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1207
Reading 75th %ile670
Math 75th %ile630

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite27

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$16,351
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,988
Avg Net Price
$22,197
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants15%
Median debt at graduation$19,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
75%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
83%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$52,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$52,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White72%
Black9%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,402 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Christopher Newport University

1 Avenue of the Arts

Newport News, VA 23606-3072

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Virginia

Browse all Virginia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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