University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Massachusetts Boston in Boston, MA with Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Massachusetts Boston is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (15,575 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Massachusetts Boston is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Massachusetts Boston is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Massachusetts Boston 15:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Massachusetts-Boston 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 University of Massachusetts Boston than CNU ($17,768 vs. $23,148).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 34.9% lower than at University of Massachusetts Boston ($12,460 vs. $19,128).
• Christopher Newport University is 5.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Massachusetts-Boston (about $920 more per year; $16,828.00 vs. $15,908.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.3% higher at University of Massachusetts-Boston than at Christopher Newport University (about $6,947 more per year; $38,125.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Massachusetts Boston than at Christopher Newport University (88% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Massachusetts Boston students is 33.8% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($14,042 vs. $10,494).

University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. CNU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Massachusetts-Boston 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Massachusetts Boston (1180) is the same as at CNU (1180).
• Incoming CNU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at University of Massachusetts-Boston).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Boston 1070/1290; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Massachusetts Boston 22/29; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Massachusetts-Boston - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Massachusetts-Boston Feb 15, 2027; CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at University of Massachusetts-Boston (3.35).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than University of Massachusetts-Boston (83.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. 18% at CNU.

University of Massachusetts-Boston vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Massachusetts-Boston 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 University of Massachusetts Boston's (40%).
• Graduates from University of Massachusetts Boston earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Massachusetts Boston graduates have a $2,940 lower median loan debt than CNU graduates ($22,060 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Massachusetts-Boston graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CNU graduates ($228 vs. $258).
• More CNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Massachusetts-Boston students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 58%)

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.