Christopher Newport University (CNU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Founded in 1960 and recognized as a university in 1992, Christopher Newport University is situated on a beautiful 260-acre campus in Newport News, Virginia. The James River is within walking distance and the historic city offers numerous attractions and things to do.

The university was named after Captain Christopher Newport, as was the city of Newport News. Newport was an English sailor and pirate who captained three of the largest ships carrying settlers to the Jamestown area. He is also the university’s mascot and the athletics organization is known as the Captains.

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Information Summary

Ranks 9th in Virginia and 281st overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	90.7
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$31,102
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	28 / 1280
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	17 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	87% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	4,957

Academics

The university offers several different types of advanced education opportunities. Students may choose to take a few classes for personal or professional improvement, or they may choose from bachelor’s or master’s programs. In addtion, the university also offers a five-year bachelor’s to master’s degree that allows qualifying students to begin taking graduate-level classes during the senior year of their undergraduate year, thus reducing the standard time of six years to only five to earn a master’s degree.

There are three main colleges of study including the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Social Sciences (includes the Luter School of Business). Every major also has it’s own academic department within these three colleges. In addition to standard programs, there are also several special programs offered to students.

The President’s Leadership Program focuses on developing leadership skills in those students with a global perspective and a desire to change the world. This program offers special incentives such as priority internships, meetings with top leaders, funding for study abroad and scholarship opportunities.

The Learning Center is a program that all freshman participate in so that they may learn how to buuld strong relationships and balance social and academic priorities. Each learning community consists of 15-30 students who take three classes together.

The Service Learning & Social Entrepreneurship teaches students to learn by doing and to develop analytic skill and the global perspective required of entrepreneurs.

The Honors Program provides several different opportunities to academically exceptional students including challenging classes, study abroad, the chance to participate in field trips and conferences and the opportunity to apply for research stipends. Students are also eligible for NATO interniships in Belgium.

The Study Abroad program provides students with the chance to pursue their educations in such places as France and Spain. These programs may be for short, specific study, summer terms or full semesters.

Finally, the school offers several different internship opportunities so that students may study in real-world environment and learn their professions hands-on.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Undergraduate Admissions

Students wishing to apply to undergraduate programs may do so in one of three cycles: early decision, early action, and regular decision. Regardless of the application period chosen, there are minimum requirements in order for an application packet to be considered complete.

Students may submit the Common Application along with the CNU Supplement and Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates (for VA Residents) either online or by mail. An application fee must be submitted as well. Official copies of high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores must be sent to the admissions office along with a detailed description of curriculum. Though students may submit paper transcripts, the university recommends that they be submitted electronically via the Common Application School Forms System or Naviance.

For students that have exceptionally high GPAs or are ranked highly in their class, standardized test scores are optional. Students that choose to opt out of submitting ACT or SAT scores for this reason should indicate this on the application. The admissions office recommends that students who choose this option submit a teacher evaluation in a core subject.

Potential music majors must audition in order to demonstrate proficiency and potential commensurate with the professional study of music.

Graduate Admissions

Because each graduate program may have different requirements, applicants should work closely with the admissions office of the program to which they are seeking admittance in order to ensure that the application packet is complete. There are, however, several requirements that all of the programs have in common. Students must submit the graduate application and fee as well as the Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates. Also required are transcripts, recommendations from references and GRE scores.

Transfer students and international students have different requirements for admission to both undergraduate and graduate programs and should contact the school or visit the website to determine what is required in order to be considered for admission.

Financial Aid

Several different forms of financial aid are available, including need-based and merit-based scholarships, grants, student loans and work-study programs. Students interested in applying for financial aid should begin the process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that is available online starting in January. Students should complete this as soon as possible in order to meet the deadlines for scholarships.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 2178th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Virginia.

Athletics

The Captains are an NCAA Division III Athletics organization that compete in the South Atlantic Conference. Students have the choice of an array of intercollegiate sports including men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, lacrosse, sailing, soccer, tennis, track and field. Men may also choose to play baseball, football and golf while women have the additional options of cheerleading, softball, field hockey and volleyball.

The team’s colors are royal blue and silver and its mascot is the Captain, named after the school’s namesake Christopher Newport, who was a privateer. In addition to intercollegiate teams, the university also offers several club sports including rugby, soccer and martial arts.

Christopher Newport University