
Christopher Newport University (CNU) is a public university located in Newport News, Virginia. Founded in 1960, the university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,407 students as of Fall 2023. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including liberal arts and sciences, business, biology, and psychology. With a focus on hands-on experiences and a tight-knit community, CNU provides students with a unique educational experience. The university is known for its beautiful campus, small class sizes, and friendly atmosphere, making it a desirable choice for many prospective students.
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What You'll Learn

Undergraduate enrollment is 4,407 (fall 2023)
Christopher Newport University (CNU) is a public university in Newport News, Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1960 and currently has 4,407 undergraduate students enrolled for the fall of 2023. The university offers a variety of four-year Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees, as well as graduate programs in applied physics, computer science, environmental science, and teaching. CNU has a tight-knit community, with students required to live on campus for their first three years. The campus size is 260 acres, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
The university encourages hands-on experiences and provides a comprehensive liberal arts education. Students can choose from over 40 undergraduate majors, with popular programs in business, biology, and psychology. CNU's robust core curriculum includes the study of literature, composition, economics, mathematics, a foreign language, science, and American history. Undergraduate research is a key component of the CNU experience, with funding provided for mentored learning projects and summer research programs.
CNU's campus is known for its beauty and modern facilities. The university has invested in iconic buildings, such as the Lewis Archer McMurran Jr. Hall, which opened in 2010 and features neo-Georgian architecture. The campus also houses the Ferguson Center for the Arts, which includes a 1,725-seat concert hall, a 453-seat music and theatre hall, art galleries, and classrooms. The Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center, which opened in 2021, serves as both an academic building and a fine arts center for the surrounding community.
CNU students speak highly of their peers, describing them as "driven and friendly." The university community is known for its kindness and respectfulness, with a strong focus on academic excellence. The professors at CNU are highly regarded, with students praising their passion for teaching and their accessibility. The small class sizes at CNU facilitate better interaction and improved class discussions, although they can also make getting into specialized classes competitive.
In terms of admissions, CNU is considered "selective," with an acceptance rate of 89% in 2022. The university does not require SAT, ACT, or CLT scores, but for those who submit them, the middle 50% of admitted applicants had scores ranging from 1110 to 1320 on the SAT and 25 to 29 on the ACT. CNU offers scholarships, and 79% of students receive some form of financial aid. The university is ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report, particularly for its regional reputation, value, undergraduate teaching, and public school status.
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79% receive financial aid
Christopher Newport University (CNU) is a public university in Newport News, Virginia. Founded in 1960, it has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,407 students as of Fall 2023. The university offers a variety of four-year bachelor's degree programs and graduate programs in applied physics, computer science, environmental science, and teaching.
Financial aid is an important aspect of attending university, and at Christopher Newport University, 79% of first-year students receive financial support. This aid helps to lower the full retail price of the institution. The average first-year financial aid package at CNU is $6,326, and most of this aid is in the form of loans. Need-based aid, which includes federal loans and work-study programs, is determined by the student's or their family's ability to pay for college. This is calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) Application. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at CNU was $13,199, and 45% of first-year students received this type of aid in Fall 2022.
Merit-based or non-need-based aid is awarded for specific talents or academic achievements. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at CNU was $3,906, excluding any athletic scholarships. Additionally, 52% of new students received scholarships, averaging $3,376 per student. These scholarships are often based on factors such as high school performance, standardized test scores, or participation in extracurricular activities.
The total cost of attending CNU, including tuition, food, housing, books, and personal expenses, is $34,523 for in-state students and $48,760 for out-of-state students. The net price, after aid and scholarships, is $22,582 for in-state students and $42,360 for out-of-state students receiving need-based aid. These financial aid packages can significantly lower the cost of attendance, making higher education more accessible and affordable for students.
CNU also offers funded research opportunities for its students. The university provides funding for mentored learning projects and summer research programs, encouraging hands-on experiences and a comprehensive education.
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40+ undergraduate majors
Christopher Newport University (CNU) is a public university in Newport News, Virginia, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,407 as of Fall 2023. The university was founded in 1960 as Christopher Newport College, an extension school of the College of William and Mary. It offers over 40 undergraduate majors and 70 degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate students.
The university has a liberal arts curriculum with a robust core curriculum that includes literature, composition, economics, mathematics, foreign language, science, and American history. Popular undergraduate majors include business, biology, and psychology. CNU also offers undergraduate degree programs in dance and theatre, with some classes requiring students to perform. The university's graduate programs include applied physics, computer science, environmental science, and teaching.
CNU's College of Arts and Humanities houses the Departments of English, Fine Art and Art History, History, Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, Music, and Philosophy. The university's Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center serves as the academic building for the Department of Fine Art and Art History and as a fine arts center for the surrounding community.
The College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences offers programs in sociology and psychology, while the College of Social Sciences includes the Joseph W. Luter III School of Business, which offers degrees in management, marketing, accounting, and finance. The School of Business is accredited by the AACSB and offers a Masters in Financial Analysis program.
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200+ student organisations
Christopher Newport University (CNU) in Newport News, Virginia, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,407 students as of Fall 2023. The public university offers a variety of four-year Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees, as well as graduate programs in applied physics, computer science, environmental science, and teaching.
The university boasts over 200 student-run clubs and organizations, providing a wealth of opportunities for student involvement on campus. These organizations are supported by the Office of Orientation and Student Involvement, which offers resources and event planning consultation.
The student newspaper, The Captain's Log, is one of the many organizations that students can join. There are also sports clubs, such as field hockey, lacrosse, and soccer, as well as special interest clubs like the CNU Equestrian Team, which caters to riders of all levels.
Students with a passion for the arts can explore their interests through organizations like the Fine Arts Center, which serves as the academic building for the Department of Fine Art and Art History. The Ferguson Center for the Arts, located on campus, offers opportunities to enjoy Broadway shows, world-class performances, and up-and-coming entertainers.
The university also has a strong focus on leadership development, with programs such as the President's Leadership Program, which enrolls around 400 freshmen each year and integrates academic study with experiential learning and personal development.
With its wide range of student organizations, Christopher Newport University offers a vibrant and engaging campus life that enhances the overall student experience.
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90+ areas of study
Christopher Newport University (CNU) is a public university in Newport News, Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1960 as Christopher Newport College, an extension school of the College of William and Mary. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,407 students for the fall of 2023.
CNU offers a wide range of academic programs with over 90 majors across various disciplines. The university's academic programs are offered through three primary colleges: the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Social Sciences.
The College of Arts and Humanities houses departments such as English, Fine Art and Art History, History, Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, Music, and Philosophy. The Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center, which opened in 2021, serves as the academic building for the Department of Fine Art and Art History. It also features a 1,725-seat concert hall, a 453-seat music and theatre hall, art galleries, and a dance studio.
The College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences offers popular programs in biology and psychology. The College of Social Sciences includes the Joseph W. Luter III School of Business, which provides degrees in management, marketing, accounting, and finance. The School of Business is accredited by the AACSB and offers a Master's in Financial Analysis program.
In addition to its academic offerings, CNU has a strong focus on leadership development through its President's Leadership Program (PLP). This program integrates academic study, experiential learning, and personal development to prepare students for leadership roles and civic responsibility. The PLP team has achieved international recognition by winning prestigious leadership competitions.
With its comprehensive academic programs, emphasis on leadership development, and a tight-knit community, Christopher Newport University offers a well-rounded educational experience for its students.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, Christopher Newport University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,407 students.
The acceptance rate for the university was 62% in 2020 and 89% in 2022.
Christopher Newport University is Virginia's #1 regional public university. It offers over 40 undergraduate majors and more than 90 areas of study in the liberal arts and sciences. The university has a beautiful campus, small class sizes, and a tight-knit community.











































