About Christopher Newport University
The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students pay an average net price of $22,197 after aid, well below the sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $60,509 ten years after leaving school, making the typical debt load of $25,000 manageable. The monthly loan payment of $265 represents a reasonable investment given earning potential. Lower-income families pay less, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $9,652 after aid.
Nearly 94% of students come from Virginia, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 82.77% retention rate shows students stick around once they arrive. With 23 varsity sports competing in Division III, the Captains emphasize academics over athletics scholarships. The 75.10% six-year graduation rate beats many regional competitors.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 63.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 75.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 75.1%
- Retention Rate
- 82.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,509
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,493 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $59,901 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $56,641 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $49,683 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $46,254 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,276 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $41,007 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $36,668 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $33,687 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
Campus Life
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio translates to professors who know your name and eating lunch together isn't unusual. Students gravitate toward the Ferguson Center for student activities, and with 627 athletes competing across 23 Division III sports, games draw solid crowds despite no athletic scholarships. The Captain's Walk connects academic buildings through a landscaped core where students study outdoors when weather permits. Weekend social life centers around campus events and trips to nearby Virginia Beach. With 93.94% of students from Virginia, many head home on occasional weekends, but the strong residential culture keeps campus active most Friday and Saturday nights.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 3,801 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1961
Campus Safety (2023)
94 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 17 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 19 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–49°F
- July Avg
- 70°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.8%
- Women
- 52.2%
- White
- 72.1%
- Black
- 8.5%
- Hispanic
- 8.2%
- Asian
- 4.2%
- In-State Students
- 93.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 14.6%
Location
- Address
- Newport News, Virginia 23606-3072
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,509
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,935
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Christopher Newport University?
Christopher Newport University accepts 85.35% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Students typically need SAT scores between 1100-1290 to be competitive. The university draws primarily from Virginia, with 94% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Christopher Newport University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Christopher Newport University is $22,197 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,652 after aid, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay closer to the full $30,024. Only 15% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's middle-to-upper-middle-class student body.
What are class sizes like at Christopher Newport University?
Christopher Newport University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 4,402 students total. The university built its reputation on providing a liberal arts education with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship. This intimate learning environment helps explain the strong 83% retention rate.
What do graduates of Christopher Newport University earn after college?
Christopher Newport University graduates earn a median of $60,509 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 96.1%, and graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt. The university's focus on undergraduate teaching and liberal arts preparation translates into solid career outcomes.
Where is Christopher Newport University located and what is campus life like?
Christopher Newport University sits in Newport News, Virginia, a mid-sized city environment. The campus houses 3,801 students in residence halls, creating a residential college experience. With 627 student-athletes competing in 23 Division III sports as the Captains, athletics play a significant role in campus culture.
How quickly do students graduate from Christopher Newport University?
Christopher Newport University achieves a remarkable 76% four-year graduation rate, well above the national average. The six-year graduation rate reaches 75%, reflecting the university's commitment to student success. Founded in 1961, CNU has built a reputation for helping students complete their degrees on time through strong academic support.
