CNU vs. JMU vs. Seton Hall University vs. Miami

Comparable Facts

Compare Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA with James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

James Madison University is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 4,454 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Christopher Newport University is located in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Christopher Newport University 13:1; James Madison University 17:1.

CNU vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CNU or JMU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at James Madison University than CNU ($18,856 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 4.6% lower than at James Madison University ($12,460 vs. $13,056).
• Christopher Newport University is 18.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $2,578 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.4% higher at JMU than at Christopher Newport University (about $426 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Christopher Newport University than at James Madison University (64% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by James Madison University students is 15.4% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($12,114 vs. $10,494).

CNU vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CNU or JMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between JMU and CNU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 80 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming CNU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 26 at JMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Christopher Newport University 1060/1290; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Christopher Newport University 25/30; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CNU - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman CNU students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at JMU (3.57).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18% at CNU vs. 18.2% at JMU.

CNU vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CNU and JMU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• James Madison University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $4,101 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($20,899 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($216 vs. $258).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CNU students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 78%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.