Christopher Newport University vs Liberty University: A Data-Driven Comparison
Admission Difficulty and Selectivity
Christopher Newport University accepts 85.35% of applicants, while Liberty University admits 99.29%, making CNU moderately selective and Liberty nearly open-admission.
Cost and Financial Value
CNU charges $16,351 for in-state students and $30,988 for out-of-state, compared to Liberty's flat $21,222 tuition regardless of residency. However, CNU offers better value with an average net price of $22,197 versus Liberty's $29,552. CNU graduates earn a median salary of $60,509 ten years post-graduation, significantly higher than Liberty's $44,813. Both schools show similar debt levels around $24,500-$25,000.
Academic Environment
CNU provides a more intimate learning environment with 4,402 students and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, compared to Liberty's massive 50,059 enrollment and 18:1 ratio. CNU demonstrates stronger academic outcomes with a 75.10% six-year graduation rate and 82.77% retention rate, while Liberty shows 63.50% graduation and 78.79% retention rates.
Campus Experience
CNU competes in NCAA Division III athletics, emphasizing academic-athletic balance without athletic scholarships. Liberty participates in Division I athletics, offering a big-time sports atmosphere with scholarship opportunities.
Student Fit
CNU better suits students seeking a smaller, academically focused environment with strong career outcomes, while Liberty appeals to those wanting a large university experience with Division I athletics and a faith-based Christian education.
Admission Difficulty and Selectivity
Christopher Newport University accepts 85.35% of applicants, while Liberty University admits 99.29%, making CNU moderately selective and Liberty nearly open-admission.
Cost and Financial Value
CNU charges $16,351 for in-state students and $30,988 for out-of-state, compared to Liberty's flat $21,222 tuition regardless of residency. However, CNU offers better value with an average net price of $22,197 versus Liberty's $29,552. CNU graduates earn a median salary of $60,509 ten years post-graduation, significantly higher than Liberty's $44,813. Both schools show similar debt levels around $24,500-$25,000.
Academic Environment
CNU provides a more intimate learning environment with 4,402 students and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, compared to Liberty's massive 50,059 enrollment and 18:1 ratio. CNU demonstrates stronger academic outcomes with a 75.10% six-year graduation rate and 82.77% retention rate, while Liberty shows 63.50% graduation and 78.79% retention rates.
Campus Experience
CNU competes in NCAA Division III athletics, emphasizing academic-athletic balance without athletic scholarships. Liberty participates in Division I athletics, offering a big-time sports atmosphere with scholarship opportunities.
Student Fit
CNU better suits students seeking a smaller, academically focused environment with strong career outcomes, while Liberty appeals to those wanting a large university experience with Division I athletics and a faith-based Christian education.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Christopher Newport University | Liberty University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 85.4% | 99.3% |
| SAT Average | 1,195 | |
| Enrollment | 4,402 | 50,059 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,351 | $21,222 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $30,988 | $21,222 |
| Net Price | $22,197 | $29,552 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.1% | 63.5% |
| Retention Rate | 82.8% | 78.8% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,509 | $44,813 |
| Median Debt | $25,000 | $24,500 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Christopher Newport University | Liberty University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Engineering. | $64,493 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $72,022 |
| Computer Science. | $59,901 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $68,219 |
| Information Science/Studies. | $56,641 | Computer Engineering. | $63,600 |
| Mathematics. | $49,683 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $62,936 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $44,276 | Business/Commerce, General. | $57,705 |