Old Dominion University (ODU) vs Christopher Newport

Old Dominion University (ODU) and Christopher Newport University (CNU) are two distinct institutions of higher learning located in Virginia, each offering unique educational experiences. ODU, a public research university, boasts a larger student body and a wider range of academic programs, including doctoral degrees. CNU, a public liberal arts university, emphasizes undergraduate education and offers a more intimate learning environment. While both universities have high acceptance rates, ODU's is slightly higher. ODU's student body is more diverse, with a larger population of out-of-state students, while CNU's student body is predominantly in-state. Both universities offer a variety of popular majors, with ODU excelling in fields like engineering, business, and health professions, and CNU excelling in liberal arts, sciences, and education. To help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences and more. Explore the table

	Christopher Newport University	Old Dominion University
Overview
Location	Newport News, Virginia	Norfolk, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
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%	72.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.5%	96.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1110 - 1320	1020 - 1220
ACT range	25 - 29	20 - 27
Students submitting SAT score	36.0%	83.0%
Students submitting ACT score	2.0%	11.0%
Total number of applicants	6,699	13,586
Total number of admissions given out	5,931	13,074
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,012	2,899
Yield rate	17.1%	22.2%
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: $28,088 Out of state: $48,248
Average net price	$24,059	$17,254
Tuition	In state: $9,100 Out of state: $21,566	In state: $7,029 Out of state: $26,664
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,238 Meal plan: $4,522	Room/dormitory: $7,690 Meal plan: $5,398
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	65.0% Average amount $7,294	91.0% Average amount $7,702
Students receiving federal student loan	42.0% Average amount $5,122	57.0% Average amount $5,222
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $18,379	7.0% Average amount $15,206

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,472 Men 45.5% Women 54.5%	18,678 Men 43.9% Women 56.1%
Graduate students	112 Men 40.2% Women 59.8%	4,816 Men 39.4% Women 60.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	6.7%	10.2%
International students	0.3%	2.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	3,812	4,361
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 Maryland Pennsylvania North Carolina New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Visual & Performing Arts Education Physical Science Engineering Social Sciences	Health Professions Education Engineering Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	16:1
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%	48.7%
Dropout rate	24.7%	19.7%
Transferred out	N/A	28.2%
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	Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,047 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $104,107 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,948 Year 2: $95,295 Year 3: $103,379 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,161 Year 2: $78,719 Year 3: $83,937 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,137 Year 2: $72,231 Year 3: $83,852 Education, Other (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $74,043 Year 2: $71,854 Year 3: $77,597 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,315 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $75,302 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,709 Year 2: $66,126 Year 3: $74,887 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,357 Year 2: $71,114 Year 3: $74,858 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,112 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $73,924 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,804 Year 2: $62,654 Year 3: $72,559

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Old Dominion University (ODU) and Christopher Newport University (CNU)?

ODU is a large, public research university with a broad range of programs, including strong engineering, business, and health sciences offerings. It's known for its diverse student body and focus on research and community engagement. CNU, on the other hand, is a smaller, public liberal arts university emphasizing leadership development and a strong sense of community. CNU's focus is primarily on undergraduate education, while ODU offers extensive graduate programs.
Which university is larger, ODU or CNU?

ODU is significantly larger than CNU. ODU has a much larger student population, including both undergraduate and graduate students, while CNU maintains a smaller, more intimate learning environment.
How do the academic programs at ODU and CNU compare?

ODU offers a wider array of academic programs, including doctoral programs and specialized fields like maritime studies and engineering. CNU focuses primarily on undergraduate liberal arts programs, with a strong emphasis on leadership studies and pre-professional programs. If you're looking for a specific, specialized graduate program, ODU is likely the better choice. If you prefer a broad liberal arts education with a focus on leadership, CNU is a strong option.
What is the campus environment like at ODU versus CNU?

ODU's campus is located in a more urban setting in Norfolk, Virginia, offering access to city amenities and a diverse cultural scene. The campus is more spread out and has a commuter-friendly atmosphere. CNU's campus is located in Newport News, Virginia, and is known for its beautiful, Georgian-style architecture and close-knit community feel. It's a more residential campus with a stronger emphasis on student life and engagement.
How do the costs of attending ODU and CNU compare?

Tuition and fees can vary depending on residency and program. Generally, ODU may have a slightly lower tuition rate for in-state students compared to CNU. However, it's essential to check the most current tuition rates and fees on each university's website and consider factors like room and board, scholarships, and financial aid packages, as these can significantly impact the overall cost of attendance.
Which university is better for students interested in research?

ODU is generally considered a better choice for students interested in research, particularly at the graduate level. As a research university, ODU has more extensive research facilities, funding opportunities, and faculty actively involved in research across various disciplines. While CNU offers undergraduate research opportunities, its focus is primarily on teaching and undergraduate education.
What are the strengths of ODU's athletic programs compared to CNU's?

ODU competes in NCAA Division I athletics, offering a wider range of sports and a higher level of competition. CNU competes in NCAA Division III athletics, which emphasizes the student-athlete experience and a balance between academics and athletics. If you're looking to compete at the highest collegiate level, ODU is the better choice. If you prefer a more balanced approach to athletics and academics, CNU might be a better fit.
How does student life differ between ODU and CNU?

ODU's student life is characterized by a diverse range of clubs, organizations, and activities catering to a large student body. There's a strong emphasis on campus events and community engagement. CNU's student life is known for its strong sense of community, leadership development programs, and active student government. There's a greater emphasis on traditions and a more intimate campus environment.
Which university is known for its engineering programs?

ODU is particularly well-regarded for its engineering programs. It offers a wide range of engineering disciplines and has strong ties to the local maritime and defense industries. While CNU offers pre-engineering programs, students typically transfer to other institutions to complete their engineering degrees.
What kind of student thrives at ODU versus CNU?

A student who is independent, self-motivated, and seeking a diverse academic and social environment might thrive at ODU. Someone who values a close-knit community, a strong emphasis on leadership development, and a traditional liberal arts education might thrive at CNU.

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