William & Mary (W&M) vs Christopher Newport

William & Mary and Christopher Newport University, both esteemed institutions in Virginia, offer distinct educational experiences. William & Mary, with an acceptance rate of 36%, boasts a diverse student body and a strong liberal arts foundation. Its popular majors include public policy, economics, and history. Christopher Newport University, with an acceptance rate of 70%, is known for its focus on experiential learning and career preparation. Its popular majors include nursing, business, and computer science. While William & Mary has a higher graduation rate of 87%, Christopher Newport University offers a more affordable option with lower tuition and fees. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Christopher Newport University	William & Mary
Overview
Location	Newport News, Virginia	Williamsburg, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	85.0%	93.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.5%	36.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1110 - 1320	1360 - 1520
ACT range	25 - 29	31 - 34
Students submitting SAT score	36.0%	51.0%
Students submitting ACT score	2.0%	19.0%
Total number of applicants	6,699	17,475
Total number of admissions given out	5,931	6,386
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,012	1,684
Yield rate	17.1%	26.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $33,016 Out of state: $45,882	In state: $40,624 Out of state: $63,850
Average net price	$24,059	$18,399
Tuition	In state: $9,100 Out of state: $21,566	In state: $17,434 Out of state: $40,089
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,238 Meal plan: $4,522	Room/dormitory: $8,490 Meal plan: $5,246
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	65.0% Average amount $7,294	44.0% Average amount $21,700
Students receiving federal student loan	42.0% Average amount $5,122	22.0% Average amount $5,132
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $18,379	4.0% Average amount $27,548

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,472 Men 45.5% Women 54.5%	6,543 Men 41.6% Women 58.4%
Graduate students	112 Men 40.2% Women 59.8%	2,974 Men 42.7% Women 57.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	6.7%	35.2%
International students	0.3%	6.2%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity	3,812	4,755
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Virginia Maryland New Jersey New York North Carolina	Virginia New Jersey Maryland Pennsylvania New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Visual & Performing Arts Education Physical Science Engineering Social Sciences	Business Legal Profession Education Social Sciences Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	74.7%	91.0%
Dropout rate	24.7%	2.1%
Transferred out	N/A	6.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,187 Year 2: $59,901 Year 3: $72,580 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $70,913 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,933 Year 2: $44,276 Year 3: $55,654 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,720 Year 2: $41,007 Year 3: $52,404 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,880 Year 2: $33,281 Year 3: $46,989 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $45,461 Year 2: $46,254 Year 3: $46,738 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,363 Year 2: $36,668 Year 3: $45,831 Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,297 Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: $44,872 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $23,553 Year 2: $30,984 Year 3: $43,611 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,765 Year 2: $31,133 Year 3: $42,711	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,208 Year 2: $71,202 Year 3: $87,886 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $64,972 Year 2: $66,087 Year 3: $81,526 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $85,399 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $80,518 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $73,897 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $80,071 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,977 Year 2: $65,610 Year 3: $69,021 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,979 Year 2: $53,108 Year 3: $57,485 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,630 Year 2: $44,117 Year 3: $51,824 Public Policy Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,566 Year 2: $39,153 Year 3: $50,454 Area Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,517 Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: $48,118 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,414 Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: $47,651

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in academic reputation between William & Mary and Christopher Newport University?

William & Mary generally holds a stronger national academic reputation, often ranked among the top public universities in the United States. It's known for its rigorous curriculum, particularly in the humanities, sciences, and law. Christopher Newport University (CNU) has a growing regional reputation and is recognized for its strong liberal arts core and focus on leadership development. While CNU is gaining recognition, William & Mary's historical prestige and research opportunities give it a broader national appeal.
How do the campus environments differ at William & Mary and Christopher Newport University?

William & Mary boasts a historic campus in Williamsburg, Virginia, steeped in tradition and offering a classic collegiate experience. The campus is integrated into the historic town, providing a unique blend of academic and cultural opportunities. Christopher Newport University has a more modern campus, located in Newport News, Virginia, with a focus on state-of-the-art facilities and a strong sense of community. CNU's campus is more self-contained, fostering a close-knit environment.
What are the typical class sizes at William & Mary and Christopher Newport University?

William & Mary tends to have a slightly larger student body, but both universities emphasize small class sizes, particularly in upper-level courses. You can expect a more intimate learning environment at both institutions compared to larger state universities. However, CNU often has a lower student-to-faculty ratio, which can translate to even more personalized attention.
How do the tuition and financial aid packages compare at William & Mary and Christopher Newport University?

Tuition and fees at William & Mary are generally higher than at Christopher Newport University, reflecting its higher national ranking and resources. Both universities offer financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help make education affordable. It's recommended to compare the net cost (after financial aid) for each institution based on your individual financial situation.
What are the strengths of the academic programs at William & Mary?

William & Mary excels in several areas, including its undergraduate research opportunities, particularly in the sciences and humanities. It has strong programs in law, business, and international relations. The university's emphasis on a liberal arts education provides a broad foundation for various career paths. The faculty is highly regarded, and the curriculum is challenging and rewarding.
What are the strengths of the academic programs at Christopher Newport University?

Christopher Newport University is known for its strong liberal arts core curriculum, which emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills. It has growing programs in business, computer science, and the arts. CNU also places a strong emphasis on leadership development and offers various opportunities for students to gain leadership experience. The university's focus on undergraduate teaching and mentorship is a significant strength.
How do the student life and extracurricular activities compare at William & Mary and Christopher Newport University?

William & Mary offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including a vibrant Greek life, numerous student organizations, and a strong emphasis on traditions. The university's location in Williamsburg provides access to historical sites and cultural events. Christopher Newport University also has a thriving student life, with a focus on community building and leadership. CNU offers a variety of clubs, organizations, and intramural sports, creating a welcoming and engaging environment.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at William & Mary and Christopher Newport University?

Both William & Mary and Christopher Newport University provide career services to assist students with career exploration, resume writing, and job searching. William & Mary, with its broader national network, may offer a wider range of internship opportunities, particularly in certain fields. CNU has strong ties to the local business community and offers excellent internship opportunities in the Hampton Roads area. Both universities actively support students in securing internships and preparing for their careers.
Which university is better for students seeking a strong sense of community?

Christopher Newport University is often cited as having a particularly strong sense of community due to its more self-contained campus and emphasis on student involvement. While William & Mary also fosters a sense of community, its larger size and integration with the historic town of Williamsburg can create a slightly different experience. CNU's focus on leadership and community engagement contributes to a close-knit environment.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

William & Mary's location in Williamsburg, Virginia, offers a unique historical and cultural experience, with access to colonial history and a charming town. The location is ideal for students interested in history, the arts, and a traditional college town atmosphere. Christopher Newport University's location in Newport News, Virginia, provides access to the Hampton Roads region, with its diverse economy, beaches, and proximity to major cities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach. This location is advantageous for students interested in business, technology, and coastal activities.

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