Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions?   Ask Captain Chris!   Or, browse some of the Frequently Asked Questions below.    Still can't find your answer, contact us.

Applicaton Process and Notification
How can I find out if the Office of Admissions has received my application and supporting credentials?  If you applied online, your application will be loaded to our system the next business day.   If you mailed a paper form,  please allow one-week for us to load your application.    It generally takes about three weeks from the time we receive your application and supporting credentials (transcripts, secondary school report form, letters of recommendations, etc.) before we can build your file for review.    After your file is complete, an Admission Officer will review each application and make a decision.  

How will I be notified of my admission status?     Decisions are made on a rolling basis and decision letters are mailed daily.  Priority is given to applicants meeting our Dec. 1 Early Action deadline.    

If my application has been deferred to the Regular Decision period, when will I receive an update on my admission status?   

Given the competitive nature of our pool, many applicants are deferred for consideration during our regular decision period from December through February.

We encourage and welcome the submission of any new academic information including any new standardized test scores.  Most admitted students to CNU present a combined SAT Critical Reading and Math score of over 1100.  If you have not tried the ACT exam yet, you might consider this as an alternative to the SAT.  In addition, you may wish to submit any new supplemental materials that you have not previously sent including letters of recommendation, an essay or personal statement, senior year grades, and any information about other outstanding achievements and extra-curricular activities.

What are the admission requirements for freshmen?
Admission to Christopher Newport University is selective. We look for students who display the ability and desire to benefit from a rigorous and rewarding academic environment. While we don‘t have specific SAT or GPA thresholds, the middle 50 percent of recently enrolled freshman had a high school GPA of 3.10 to 3.70. More about admission requirements…

Which application does CNU prefer?
We prefer that you apply online; however, paper applications also are accepted.

Do you accept the ACT as well as the SAT?
Yes, CNU accepts both the old and new SAT and the ACT with or without the writing sample.

What is “an official transcript”?
An official transcript is one that is mailed directly or hand-carried in a sealed envelope from another educational institution to CNU.

What is the application deadline?
The deadlines for applying as a degree-seeking student are March 1 for freshmen and May 1 for transfer students. The early action (non-binding) deadline for freshmen is Dec. 1.


Does CNU offer credit for AP, IB, or dual enrollment?
Yes, CNU welcomes credits for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and dual enrollment. College credit may be granted for scores of 3 or better on AP exams, scores of 4 or 5 on higher-level IB exams, and qualifying grades for dual enrollment. More about AP & IB credit transfer guidelines …

How do I apply for financial aid?
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available online or by contacting the Office of Financial Aid.

What is the priority filing date for financial aid?
The priority filing date is March 1. That means you should mail your FAFSA or submit it electronically no later than Feb. 1.

How does a freshman qualify for scholarships?
You‘ll be automatically considered for a scholarship if you apply by Dec. 1 and meet the criteria, which are different for each scholarship. For example, the Honors Scholarships require a 3.5 GPA and a 1200 SAT (Critical Reading and Math) for consideration, and the President's Leadership Program generally requires a 3.5 GPA and an 1175 SAT for consideration. The President‘s Leadership Program requires a separate application, which you may submit along with your application for admission. More about scholarships …

Are freshmen allowed to bring cars to campus?
Yes. You‘ll need to buy a parking decal for $200 each year.

Will I have to live on campus?
Students are required to live on campus during their freshman and sophomore years—unless they reside with a parent or legal guardian in Newport News, Hampton, Poquson, York County, James City County, Williamsburg, Isle of Wight County, Mathews County and Gloucester County. More about University Housing…

In which athletic division does CNU compete?
CNU is a member of the NCAA Division III and competes in the USA South Athletic Conference. More about athletics… [Home>athletics]

Does CNU offer athletic scholarships?
No. As a member of NCAA Division III, CNU is prohibited from offering athletic scholarships.

Does CNU have sororities and fraternities?
Yes, CNU offers more than 100 student organizations  including sororities, fraternities, honor societies, curriculum clubs and organizations, student publications and campus media, special interest organizations, athletic-oriented organizations, and religious organizations.

Is Christopher Newport University a public university?
Yes. Located in Newport News, CNU is one of 15 state universities in Virginia. The university's namesake, Captain Christopher Newport, was the English mariner who led the first English ships to Jamestown in 1607. He has been called an adventurer, developer, entrepreneur, and visionary. These symbolic characteristics in our name reflect the spirit and qualities of CNU.

How many students attend CNU?
Our student population is 4,700, and 3,000 of our students live on campus. Our goal is to remain small and personal, offering the maximum amount of individual academic attention.