At Christopher Newport University we care about minds and hearts. We want our students to choose to lead lives of meaning and consequence and purpose. We call that a life of significance.
At this affordable, public university in Virginia, students study the liberal arts and sciences. Christopher Newport is ranked among the nation's top universities for the value it offers, for its science facilities, for its four-year graduation rate, and for the quality of its business school.
Our classes are small and rigorous, and our professors know their students by name. We offer a nationally respected President's Leadership Program. We celebrate our speaking tradition and honor code. We open doors for each other. Our teams are among the winningest in the nation. Our performing and visual arts facilities are world class. Our campus is stunningly beautiful, close to beaches and big cities and endless opportunities for internships and careers.
Because our students care so much about the world around them, they perform thousands of hours of meaningful community service. Our students lead and serve with honor and a commitment to excellence.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Assistant Director of Admission
1 Avenue of the Arts
Newport News, VA 23606
Experience College Life
Christopher Newport Hall
Trible Library- Einstein's Cafe
Torggler Fine Arts Center
Ferguson Center of the Arts
Virginia Living Museum
Colonial Williamsburg
Virginia Beach
Busch Gardens
Campus Tours
M-F: 8am - 5pm, Sat: 10am - 12pm
757-594-7015
Dates: Year-round
Times: Mon.-Fri. 9a.m., 11a.m., 1p.m., or 3p.m.; Sat. 10a.m. and 12p.m.
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Faculty and Coach Visits
Class Visits
Overnight Dorm Stays
Transportation
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
We anticipate receiving 8,000 applications for 1,200 spaces in the fall freshman class. The admission rate decreases between each notification date — Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision.
Early Decision
Deadline to Apply: November 15
Notification Date: December 15
Early Action
Deadline to Apply: December 1
Notification Date: January 15
Regular Decision
Deadline to Apply: February 1
Notification Date: March 15
We accept applications from either the Common Application or Coalition for College. Apply online at freshman.cnu.edu.
Application Review
When reviewing applications, we consider each student's academic curriculum rigor and grades earned. We give special attention to honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and dual-enrollment courses. We also look for students who demonstrate leadership ability, a commitment to service and community involvement, exemplary talents, and diverse experiences.
As part of the application review, Christopher Newport requires an essay of no fewer than 250 words so we can consider your writing skills and the aspects of your background and personality that you wish to add to your application. We use standardized tests as evaluative measures, unless a student chooses to apply test-optional. Students may submit scores from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT) or Classic Learning Test (CLT).
Admission Interviews
We strongly encourage any high school senior planning to apply to Christopher Newport to interview. This personal interaction is an important part of the application process. It can be a great way to enhance your admission application and receive a personalized introduction to CNU. We want to meet you one-on-one to learn about you — your qualities, passions, experiences and goals that we cannot discern from the credentials you submit with your application. An interview is required for Honors and PLP applicants.
Overview
GPA Breakdown
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Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 15
Early Action — December 1
Regular — February 1
Other Admission Factors
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Learning Communities
All freshmen are placed into a Learning Community based on their academic interests, which facilitates a successful transition from high school to college. Living together, sharing multiple classes with a small group of students and collaborating with faculty enable learning beyond the classroom while providing extra support.
President's Leadership Program
Make an impact through the President's Leadership Program (PLP). Through challenging courses, public service, foreign study and other targeted opportunities, PLP empowers students to become caring, knowledgeable and effective leaders for America and the world. The President's Leadership Program offers priority registration, annual scholarships and study abroad awards.
Honors Program
This unique program offers students more freedom to customize their academic experience for their personal and professional aspirations. The Honors Program allows more time for interdisciplinary seminar-style courses and challenges students by means of study abroad, independent research, internships, jobs and volunteer experience relevant to their passions. Each student receives an annual residential scholarship (including a study abroad stipend), as well as other exclusive benefits.
Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity
Christopher Newport undergraduates engage in cutting-edge research and creative activities. In all fields of study, students collaborate with faculty mentors on key research, make conference presentations, and publish books and scholarly journal articles with faculty. Each spring the Paideia conference showcases outstanding student research, and the Summer Scholars Program offers paid research assistantships.
Pre-Law Program
Interested in pursuing a career in law? The nation's top law schools seek applicants who have received a well-rounded undergraduate education – one like the liberal arts and sciences curriculum Christopher Newport offers. Many of our pre-law students pursue a philosophy of law minor or an American studies major with a constitutional studies concentration. Regardless of your undergraduate field of study, our Pre-Law Program is designed to help you gain admission to one of the nation's top law schools.
Pre-Med and Pre-Health Program
Medical schools and other graduate programs seek applicants with a well-rounded undergraduate education. The Pre-Med and Pre-Health Program at Christopher Newport assists students pursuing any academic major to prepare for postgraduate study. In addition to the necessary prerequisite coursework, we offer several resources to help you gain admission to your professional school of choice – from academic and career advising to mentoring, clinical internships, workshops and seminars.
Study Abroad
We encourage you to study abroad, either accompanied by Christopher Newport faculty or independently. Learn about different cultures while falling in love with America. You may choose to study for an entire semester, a year or more briefly between academic terms. These rich cultural experiences are as unique as the destinations. With scholarship opportunities available, the world is your classroom! Christopher Newport students have recently spent semesters or full academic years in Australia, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Scotland, Spain and many other locales.
Bachelor's to Master's Five-Year Programs
Students can obtain a bachelor's and master's degree in the following five-year programs:
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Science in Applied Physics and Computer Science
- Master of Science in Environmental Science
Center for Academic Success
Throughout the CNU experience, the Center for Academic Success offers tutoring, workshops, seminars and one-on-one assistance to help students improve their academic performance with effective study strategies. Peer writing consultants available in the Writing Center offer specialized help with all stages of the writing process.
Center for Career Planning
The Center for Career Planning directly assists students with academic major exploration, landing a first job or gaining admission to a top graduate school. Workshops, seminars, job fairs, on-campus interviews and career counseling – a full range of services – are available to students and alumni.
Service
Christopher Newport students make a positive difference in the life of our campus, community and world. We offer countless opportunities ? from service-learning initiatives and projects like Habitat for Humanity to the philanthropic work of our Greek organizations and student-athletes, among others. Through a partnership with the prestigious Bonner Foundation, Christopher Newport joins a national network of more than 75 colleges and universities who support four-year, service scholarships.
Majors and Degrees Offered
We offer more than 90 areas of study in the liberal arts and sciences, providing a breadth and depth of knowledge that will prepare you to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself in today's global marketplace. Through Christopher Newport's rigorous curriculum, you will learn to think critically and communicate effectively while developing the tools and skills that will serve you for a lifetime.
Areas of Study
Accounting
African-American Studies
American Studies
– Constitutional Studies
– Humanities
– Social Science
Anthropology
Applied Physics
Asian Studies
Biochemistry
Biology
Biology – Cellular, Molecular and Physiological
Biology – Integrative
Biology – Organismal and Environmental
Chemistry
Childhood Studies
Civic Engagement and Social Justice
Classical Studies
– Classical Languages
– Classical Studies
Communication Studies
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Cybersecurity
Dance
Digital Humanities
Discrete Mathematics
Economics
– Mathematical Economics
Electrical Engineering
English
– Literature
– Writing
Environmental Studies
Film Studies
Finance
Fine Arts
– Art History
– Studio Art
French
German
Graphic Design
Greek Studies
History
Human Rights and Conflict Resolution
Information Science
Interdisciplinary Studies
International Culture and Business
Judeo-Christian Studies
Latin
Latin American Studies
Leadership Studies
Linguistics
Management
Marketing
Mathematics
Mathematics – Computational and Applied
– Biology and Life Sciences
– Economics
– Physics, Dynamics and Engineering
Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Middle East and North Africa Studies
Military Science (ROTC)
Museum Studies
Music
– Composition
– Creative Studies
– Music Studies
Performance
Pre-Certification Choral
– Pre-Certification Instrumental
Neuroscience
Philosophy
– Pre-Seminary Studies
– Studies in Religion
Philosophy and Religion
Philosophy of Law
Photography and Video Art
Political Science
Psychology
Social Work
Sociology
– Anthropology
– Criminology
Spanish
Theater
– Acting
– Arts Administration
– Design/Technical Theater
– Directing/Dramatic Literature
– Music Theater/Dance
– Theater Studies
U.S. National Security Studies
Women's and Gender Studies
Advising Tracks
Biotechnology and Management
Pre-Health
Pre-Law
Pre-Med
Master's Degrees
Applied Physics and Computer Science
Environmental Science
Financial Analysis
Teaching (MAT)
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Biomedical Sciences, General.
Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Neuroscience.
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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Finance, General.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
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COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Science.
Information Science/Studies.
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EDUCATION.
Elementary Education and Teaching.
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ENGINEERING.
Computer Engineering, General.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
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HISTORY.
History, General.
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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Computational and Applied Mathematics.
Mathematics, General.
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MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Studies.
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PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, Other.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Social Work.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Criminology.
Economics, General.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
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VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Music Performance, General.
Students Say
Degrees
Certificate
Master's
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
Prominent Alumni
Academic Rating
Careers
Graduation Rates
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Students Say
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Christopher Newport offers exceptional academics, stunning facilities and a vibrant campus life. Yet we recognize paying for college can be a challenge. That's why we distribute nearly $50 million in aid to students each year. Most assistance comes in the form of federal and state grants, scholarships to reward merit and help students with financial need, educational loans, and college work-study programs.
For tuition information, please check here: https://cnu.edu/tuition/
Financial Aid
Important New FAFSA Deadline:
To be considered for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. All students are encouraged to apply by the December 15 preferred filing deadline in order to receive an earlier aid package. March 1 is the priority filing date for all students.
Dates
Required Forms
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Financial Aid Rating
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Student Clubs
With more than 200 student clubs and organizations, Christopher Newport offers activities in a wide range of interests.
Athletics
One of the nation's most successful NCAA Division III programs
24 Varsity Teams
700 + All-Americans
80 Individual and team championships
Top winning percentage nearly every year among all Virginia schools
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Students Say
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Located in Southeastern Virginia, Christopher Newport is in the heart of one of the most historic – and beautiful – areas of the United States, convenient to Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Beach. Three airports are close by and so is an Amtrak station. The university is nestled in a suburban area and a short walk to the James River, hiking trails, and history and art museums.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Matching Christopher Newport's strong academic reputation is the beauty of campus a place where students learn in classrooms and labs equipped with the latest technology, and play out their dreams on the stages of the Ferguson Center for the Arts. It was designed by the firm of acclaimed architect I.M. Pei. Since its opening in 2005, more than two million people have attended performances by world-renowned entertainers. An adjoining fine arts center is under construction.
The Paul and Rosemary Trible Library provides an unbeatable atmosphere for research, learning and scholarly interaction. Einstein's Café on the ground floor is a hub of campus activity.
Christopher Newport has nationally acclaimed athletic facilities and recently opened a new lacrosse and field hockey stadium. Nearly 4,000 students live in award-winning residence halls and apartment suites with all the amenities and comforts of home. Every residential room has high-speed internet, satellite cable TV and electronic room access. All rooms are equipped with a microwave and mini-refrigerator or have kitchen access. Residents of on-campus apartments have their own bathroom and an in-unit washer and dryer.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Christopher Newport students participate in internships in Newport News, Norfolk and nearby communities, home to NASA, Langley Air Force Base, Canon, Sentara Health Care and numerous other nonprofit, government and private sector employers. Students also are offered research opportunities at Jefferson Lab, the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory, where scientists utilize the lab's unique particle accelerator to probe the most basic building blocks of matter.
Most popular places off campus:
James River
Mariners' Museum and Park
Colonial Williamsburg
Virginia Beach
Busch Gardens
Campus Life
Housing Options
Dorms Coed
Theme Housing
Students Say
Undergrads here love taking advantage of the nice weather as well. In the "warmer seasons a lot of students will fill the many lawns of the campus with frisbees, lacrosse sticks, footballs, etc." Then again, it's easy to get a break from campus life if you need. In fact, it's part of a classic CNU tradition. "One signature activity here at CNU is watching the sunset at a location called Lions Bridge. It's roughly a 30-minute walk from campus and a 10minute drive to watch the beautiful pinks and oranges set over the coast." No matter oncampus or off, "there always seems to be fun things to do."
Special Needs Admissions
Student Activities
Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Sailing
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Golf
Lacrosse
Sailing
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Sustainability
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/