Longwood University vs Christopher Newport

Longwood University and Christopher Newport University, both esteemed institutions in Virginia, offer distinct educational experiences. Longwood, nestled in Farmville, boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse student body with a strong focus on liberal arts and sciences. Christopher Newport, located in Newport News, is known for its rigorous academics, competitive acceptance rate, and emphasis on STEM and business programs. While both universities provide a supportive learning environment, their unique strengths and offerings cater to different student aspirations. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.

	Christopher Newport University	Longwood University
Overview
Location	Newport News, Virginia	Farmville, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Town: Remote
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%	73.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.5%	90.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $40
SAT range	1110 - 1320	1030 - 1170
ACT range	25 - 29	16 - 24
Students submitting SAT score	36.0%	26.0%
Students submitting ACT score	2.0%	1.0%
Total number of applicants	6,699	5,977
Total number of admissions given out	5,931	5,378
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,012	718
Yield rate	17.1%	13.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $33,016 Out of state: $45,882	In state: $32,318 Out of state: $43,714
Average net price	$24,059	$21,166
Tuition	In state: $9,100 Out of state: $21,566	In state: $8,670 Out of state: $20,250
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,238 Meal plan: $4,522	Room/dormitory: $8,194 Meal plan: $5,100
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	65.0% Average amount $7,294	95.0% Average amount $8,406
Students receiving federal student loan	42.0% Average amount $5,122	55.0% Average amount $5,394
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $18,379	8.0% Average amount $14,063

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,472 Men 45.5% Women 54.5%	3,486 Men 30.6% Women 69.4%
Graduate students	112 Men 40.2% Women 59.8%	1,126 Men 30.2% Women 69.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	6.7%	5.8%
International students	0.3%	1.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Town: Remote
Dormitory capacity	3,812	2,273
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 North Carolina Maryland Pennsylvania California

Academics
Popular study areas	Visual & Performing Arts Education Physical Science Engineering Social Sciences	Education Business Liberal Arts Health Professions Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	13:1
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%	65.2%
Dropout rate	24.7%	10.4%
Transferred out	N/A	24.1%
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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $59,350 Year 3: $61,306 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $51,436 Year 2: $57,995 Year 3: $58,712 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $45,417 Year 3: $51,451 Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $43,030 Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: $47,090 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $45,902 Year 3: $45,544 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $34,633 Year 3: $42,180 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $41,119 Year 3: $41,437 Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $36,668 Year 3: $41,202 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $34,321 Year 3: $41,181 Social Work (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: $38,094

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Longwood University and Christopher Newport University?

Longwood University, located in Farmville, Virginia, offers a more traditional, small-town college experience with a strong emphasis on citizen leadership and a liberal arts foundation. Christopher Newport University (CNU), situated in Newport News, Virginia, provides a more modern, suburban setting with a focus on leadership development and a blend of liberal arts and pre-professional programs. Longwood is a public university with a longer history, while CNU, also public, has experienced significant growth and development in recent decades.
Which university is larger, Longwood or CNU?

Longwood University has a slightly larger undergraduate enrollment compared to Christopher Newport University. While both are considered mid-sized universities, Longwood typically enrolls a few hundred more undergraduate students.
How do the academic programs compare between Longwood and CNU?

Both universities offer a range of undergraduate programs. Longwood is known for its strong teacher education program and liberal arts core, while CNU is recognized for its leadership studies program, business administration, and natural and behavioral sciences. Both institutions also offer popular programs in communication, arts, and social sciences. Consider your specific academic interests when deciding which university aligns best with your goals.
What is the campus environment like at Longwood versus CNU?

Longwood University offers a classic, historic campus in the heart of Farmville, a small college town. The atmosphere is generally described as close-knit and community-oriented. Christopher Newport University boasts a more modern campus with impressive architecture and landscaping in a suburban setting. CNU's environment is often described as vibrant and energetic, with a strong emphasis on student involvement.
How do the costs of attending Longwood and CNU compare?

As both are public universities in Virginia, tuition and fees are generally similar for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition will be higher at both institutions. It's important to check the most recent tuition rates and factor in room and board, books, and other expenses when comparing the overall cost of attendance. Also, explore scholarship and financial aid opportunities at both universities, as these can significantly impact the net cost.
What are the housing options like at Longwood and CNU?

Both Longwood and CNU offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. Longwood's housing is integrated within its historic campus, while CNU's residence halls are generally newer and more modern. Both universities require or encourage students to live on campus for a certain number of years, fostering a strong residential community.
What student activities and organizations are available at each university?

Both Longwood and CNU offer a wide range of student activities and organizations, including clubs, sports, Greek life, and volunteer opportunities. CNU is known for its strong emphasis on leadership development and offers numerous leadership-focused programs and organizations. Longwood has a vibrant Greek life and a strong tradition of student involvement in campus governance. Explore the specific clubs and organizations that align with your interests on each university's website.
How do Longwood and CNU approach student leadership development?

Both universities prioritize student leadership development, but they approach it differently. Longwood emphasizes citizen leadership, encouraging students to become engaged and responsible members of their communities. CNU has a dedicated leadership studies program and integrates leadership development into many aspects of the student experience. Consider which approach to leadership resonates more with your personal goals and values.
What are the career services like at Longwood and CNU?

Both Longwood and CNU offer career services to help students with internships, job searching, resume writing, and interview skills. CNU's location in Newport News provides access to a wider range of internship and job opportunities in the Hampton Roads region. Longwood's strong alumni network can be a valuable resource for career connections. Research the specific career services offered by each university to determine which best meets your needs.
What is the surrounding area like for each university?

Longwood University is located in Farmville, a small, historic town in central Virginia. Farmville offers a close-knit community and access to outdoor recreation opportunities. Christopher Newport University is situated in Newport News, a larger city in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. Newport News provides access to a wider range of cultural attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Consider whether you prefer a small-town or urban environment when making your decision.

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