Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Newport News, Virginia |
| Online | cnu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Christopher Newport University occupies a suburban campus in Newport News, Virginia, positioned on the Peninsula region between the James and York Rivers and within an hour's drive of Virginia Beach and Colonial Williamsburg. The campus features Georgian architecture throughout its academic buildings and residential facilities, reflecting a cohesive design aesthetic established during its transformation from a two-year branch of the College of William & Mary in 1960 to its current status as a public liberal arts institution. CNU requires all students to live on campus for their first three years, housing them in residential colleges and suite-style accommodations. The university maintains a strong focus on liberal arts and sciences, with notable programs in business, leadership studies, and science disciplines, while also operating a distinguished President's Leadership Program. As an NCAA Division III institution, CNU competes as the Captains in the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference, with particularly competitive programs in basketball and softball.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
CNU is rated within the top 41% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Christopher Newport University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#418 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#119 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#11 in Best Colleges in Virginia
#8 in Best Public Colleges in Virginia
#564 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#17 in Best Value Colleges in Virginia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1100/1300 |
| ACT | 23/29 |
| GPA | 3.79 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Feb 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Virginia Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,516 |
| Other Fees | $6,350 |
| Room and Board | $12,360 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,296 |
| Total One Year Cost | $34,523 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,516 |
| Other Fees | $6,350 |
| Room and Board | $12,360 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,296 |
| Total One Year Cost | $48,760 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 15% |
| Communication | 13% |
| Biology | 12% |
| Business | 11% |
| Psychology | 11% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering CNU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=231712 IPEDS survey data for Christopher Newport University.
Current students may use the Christopher Newport University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025