James Madison University vs Christopher Newport University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, James Madison University comes out ahead: 84/100 to 64/100, a 20-point edge over Christopher Newport University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Christopher Newport University runs $23,015 a year against $23,322 at James Madison University - $307 more a year, or about $1,228 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, James Madison University graduates earn a median $69,954 against $60,509 at Christopher Newport University. The cost earns itself back in 6.7 years at James Madison University and 9.1 years at Christopher Newport University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave James Madison University owing a median $20,093 versus $25,000 at Christopher Newport University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.64 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | James Madison University | Christopher Newport Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $14,250 | $16,828 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $31,604 | $31,178 |
| Net Price (avg) | $23,322 | $23,015 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $93,288 | $92,060 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $46,100 | $39,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $69,954 | $60,509 |
| Graduation Rate | 79.7% | 71.6% |
| Payback Period | 6.7 yr | 9.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,093 | $25,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $213 | $265 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.64 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 87.1% | 83.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 88.1% | 82.6% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 71.5% | 86.0% |
| Enrollment | 20,888 | 4,365 |
| SAT Range | 1170-1340 | 1060-1290 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | James Madison Univer... | Christopher Newport ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $11,444 | $12,461 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,977 | $12,752 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $16,475 | $14,163 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $22,343 | $22,776 |
| $110,001+ | $30,147 | $30,584 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | James Madison Univer... | Christopher Newport ... |
|---|---|---|
| Information Science | $113,345 | $88,842 |
| Economics | $86,681 | $75,365 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $85,137 | $81,840 |
| Chemistry | $74,631 | $66,171 |
| International Relations | $73,326 | $65,241 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $66,436 | $57,254 |
| Music | $51,882 | $63,852 |
| Biology | $62,914 | $55,657 |
| Linguistic and Comparative Language Studies | $62,366 | $53,564 |
| English Language and Literature | $57,487 | $55,379 |
| Psychology | $56,212 | $53,600 |
| History | $55,782 | $52,458 |
| Sociology | $48,774 | $55,057 |
| Social Work | $52,991 | $48,212 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | James Madison Univer... | Christopher Newport ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 79 | 61 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 85 | 67 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 83 | 43 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 89 | 81 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 90 | 80 |
| Overall ROI Score | 84 | 64 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: James Madison University clearly outperforms Christopher Newport University (84 vs 64), a 20-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Christopher Newport University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to James Madison University.
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James Madison University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Christopher Newport University
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.