Virginia Commonwealth 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, Christopher Newport University comes out ahead: 64/100 to 55/100, a 9-point edge over Virginia Commonwealth 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 $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth University - $418 more a year, or about $1,672 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Christopher Newport University graduates earn a median $60,509 against $58,128 at Virginia Commonwealth University. The cost earns itself back in 10.1 years at Virginia Commonwealth University and 9.1 years at Christopher Newport University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Virginia Commonwealth University owing a median $21,500 versus $25,000 at Christopher Newport University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.57 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 | Virginia Commonwealth Uni... | Christopher Newport Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $16,945 | $16,828 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,109 | $31,178 |
| Net Price (avg) | $23,433 | $23,015 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $93,732 | $92,060 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $37,500 | $39,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $58,128 | $60,509 |
| Graduation Rate | 63.2% | 71.6% |
| Payback Period | 10.1 yr | 9.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $25,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $265 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.57 | 0.64 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 64.7% | 83.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 61.3% | 82.6% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 92.6% | 86.0% |
| Enrollment | 20,753 | 4,365 |
| SAT Range | 1010-1270 | 1060-1290 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Virginia Commonwealt... | Christopher Newport ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $17,512 | $12,461 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $17,777 | $12,752 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $20,925 | $14,163 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,691 | $22,776 |
| $110,001+ | $32,739 | $30,584 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Virginia Commonwealt... | Christopher Newport ... |
|---|---|---|
| Information Science | $87,219 | $88,842 |
| Chemistry | $67,439 | $66,171 |
| International Relations | $62,182 | $65,241 |
| Music | $38,278 | $63,852 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $55,855 | $62,828 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $59,968 | $57,254 |
| Biology | $58,420 | $55,657 |
| English Language and Literature | $45,844 | $55,379 |
| Social Work | $55,288 | $48,212 |
| Sociology | $53,122 | $55,057 |
| Psychology | $51,440 | $53,600 |
| Linguistic and Comparative Language Studies | $45,607 | $53,564 |
| History | $53,186 | $52,458 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Virginia Commonwealt... | Christopher Newport ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 54 | 61 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 61 | 67 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 58 | 43 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 65 | 81 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 26 | 80 |
| Overall ROI Score | 55 | 64 |
The Verdict
Christopher Newport University has the clearly stronger ROI here (64 vs 55) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if Virginia Commonwealth University is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Below Average 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.