ECU vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare East Carolina University in Greenville, NC with Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

East Carolina University is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (26,940 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

ECU vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECU or CNU? 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 East Carolina University than CNU ($13,755 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Carolina University are 7.4% lower than at Christopher Newport University ($11,541 vs. $12,460).
• Christopher Newport University is 128.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECU (about $9,467 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $7,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.9% higher at CNU than at East Carolina University (about $7,540 more per year; $31,178.00 vs. $23,638.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Christopher Newport University than at East Carolina University (64% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christopher Newport University students is 7.3% larger than aid received by East Carolina University students ($10,494 vs. $9,776).

ECU vs. CNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECU or CNU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between CNU and ECU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Christopher Newport University (1180) is 20 points higher than at ECU (1160).
• Incoming CNU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at ECU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Carolina University 1070/1240; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Carolina University 21/26; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); CNU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at ECU (3.33).
• ECU has a higher acceptance rate (89.2%) than CNU (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.1% at ECU vs. 18% at CNU.

ECU vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECU and CNU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Christopher Newport University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than East Carolina University's (59%).
• Graduates from Christopher Newport University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than ECU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Carolina University graduates have a $212 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($24,788 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, ECU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($256 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECU students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 63%)

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.