Skip to content
CollegeRanker
Colleges / VA / Newport News
Christopher Newport University logo

Christopher Newport University

Public Newport News, VA · Urban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
73%
Graduation Rate
$60,509
Earnings (10yr)
$23,015
Net Price
86%
Acceptance Rate

Find Your Program

Match With an Accredited Program Accepting Applicants

Explore accredited programs — fast, free, no obligation.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

Overview

With an enrollment of about 4,365 students and an acceptance rate of 86%, Christopher Newport University is a welcoming choice for those looking to create a strong academic foundation. It’s particularly appealing to students interested in psychology, biology, business, or communications. These programs stand out for their supportive faculty and hands-on learning opportunities, which can really enhance the college experience.

Life after graduation looks promising for CNU alumni, with a median earning of $60,509 a decade after completing their studies. This figure indicates that graduates are generally able to secure good jobs that help them move up in their careers. While we don’t have specific mobility rates, the overall earning potential suggests that many graduates find themselves in a better financial position than when they started.

When it comes to the cost of attending, the net price after aid comes to $23,015, which is relatively manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $25,000, students tend to leave CNU with a reasonable financial load. Those who thrive here are often the ones who take advantage of the university’s strong academic programs and supportive environment, focusing on their future while making meaningful connections along the way.

Rankings

How Christopher Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation73%Earnings 10yr$61KNet Price$23KRetention81%Median Debt$25KPell Grant Rate16%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$12K$0-30K$13K$30-48K$14K$48-75K$31K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%497.3%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%2176.9%MOBILITY108.26%

Cost & Financial Aid

$16,828
In-State Tuition
$31,178
Out-of-State
$23,015
Avg Net Price
$25,000
Median Debt
16%
Pell Grant Rate
37%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$12,461
Family Income $0–$30K
$12,752
Family Income $30K–$48K
$14,163
Family Income $48K–$75K
$30,584
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$51,931
6 Years After Entry
$57,119
8 Years
$60,509
10 Years
0.41x
Debt-to-Earnings
72%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$51,931 6yr $57,119 8yr $60,509 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

108.26%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
2176.9%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
497.3%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$92,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.73
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.7%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 86%
Retention Rate 81%
SAT Average 1180
ACT Midpoint 27
SAT Range 1060–1290
ACT Range 25–30
Full-Time Faculty 67%
Faculty Salary (mo) $10,989
Diversity Index 0.52
First-Gen Students 18%

Top Programs

Psychology 15%
Biology & Biomedical 15%
Business & Marketing 14%
Social Sciences 14%
Communications 10%
Computer Science & IT 8%
Visual & Performing Arts 5%
English & Literature 3%