Organizer Information
Christopher Newport University (CNU) is a public university in Newport News, Virginia, United States. Its academic structure includes the College of Arts and Humanities, College of Social Sciences, College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, School of Engineering and Computing, and Joseph W. Luter, III School of Business. Students interested in creative disciplines can explore programs in studio art, art history, photography and video art, graphic design, theatre, music, English, and film studies. CNU offers undergraduate degrees and selected graduate programs.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Christopher Newport University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate
- Degrees Offered: BA, BS, BFA-equivalent opportunities should not be assumed; officially listed degrees include BA, BS, BSBA, BM, MAT, MS, and MFinA.
- Academic Fields: Fine arts, art history, photography, video art, graphic design, film studies, theatre, music, English, humanities, sciences, engineering, and business.
- Relevant Programs: Art History; Studio Art; Studio Art: 2D and 3D Media; Studio Art: Graphic Design; Photography and Video Art; Film Studies (minor); English; Theatre; Music; Museum Studies (minor).
- Language of Instruction: English.
- International Applicants: Yes.
- Application Period: Fall freshman admission offers Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision.
- Application Deadline: 15 November (Early Decision); 1 December (Early Action); 1 February (Regular Decision).
- Start of Studies: Fall semester.
- Application Fee: $65.
- Tuition: From $16,019 per semester for full-time, out-of-state undergraduate tuition; graduate rates vary by program and residency classification.
- Funding: Scholarships and financial aid are available subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
CNU offers undergraduate study in visual arts, art history, creative practice, performing arts, humanities, and related fields. Relevant options include:
- Visual arts: Studio Art; Studio Art: 2D and 3D Media; Studio Art: Graphic Design; Photography and Video Art.
- Art and cultural studies: Art History; Museum Studies (minor).
- Film and writing: Film Studies (minor); English, including writing, literature, and journalism-related study options.
- Performing arts: Theatre; Music; Musical Theatre.
The institution also offers graduate study in areas including teaching, financial analysis, applied physics and computer science, and environmental science. Applicants should consult the official program page to confirm each program's degree, curriculum, and admission conditions.
General Eligibility
- CNU accepts domestic and international applicants. First-year applicants apply through the freshman admissions process. Admission decisions consider the application as a whole, including academic records and the applicant's essay and personal background. Early Decision is binding if the applicant is admitted and chooses this plan.
- Graduate eligibility depends on the specific degree program. International applicants must meet the university's applicable admission and English-proficiency requirements.
Educational Background
- Freshman applicants must submit their most recent official high school transcript. Applicants to graduate programs should review the academic qualifications for their chosen degree; undergraduate freshman requirements should not be treated as graduate admission requirements.
- The university's degree inventory identifies graduate degrees including the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Financial Analysis (MFinA).
Language Requirements
- International applicants whose native language is not English, or whose schooling was not completed in English, must demonstrate English proficiency. CNU requires qualifying English-test scores for admission and immigration documentation.
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT, tests before 21 January 2026 | 71 |
| TOEFL iBT, tests on or after 21 January 2026 | 4.5 overall, with no section below 3.5 |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 |
| PTE Academic | 50 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 53 |
| GTEC CBT | 1150 |
| iTEP | 3.7 |
| Trinity ISE | ISE II Merit Skills |
Scores must be sent directly by the testing agency. International applicants whose native language is not English cannot apply under the test-optional policy.
Application Fee
| Application category | Fee | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $65 | Non-refundable; fee waiver available |
| Graduate | $65 | Published general application fee |
Tuition
| Study level/category | Tuition | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, Virginia resident | $8,808 | Per semester, full-time, 12–17 credits |
| Undergraduate, out-of-state | $16,019 | Per semester, full-time, 12–17 credits |
| Undergraduate, Virginia resident | $731 | Per credit hour |
| Undergraduate, out-of-state | $1,332 | Per credit hour |
| MAT and MS graduate, Virginia resident | $762 | Per credit hour |
| MAT and MS graduate, out-of-state | $1,312 | Per credit hour |
| MFinA graduate, Virginia resident | $895 | Per credit hour |
| MFinA graduate, out-of-state | $1,327 | Per credit hour |
Undergraduate semester tuition includes the applicable comprehensive and technology fees for Virginia residents, and comprehensive, technology, and capital fees for out-of-state students.
Other published charges include:
- Enrollment fee: $500, non-refundable.
- Arts-course laboratory fee: $75.
- Graduation fee: $100.
- Housing communications fee: $360 per academic year.
- Student parking fee: $275 per academic year, non-refundable.
- Applied music fee: $350 for one credit hour.
Housing, meals, books, supplies, and other expenses are additional where applicable. The university publishes separate cost-of-attendance estimates for different student categories.
Funding & Financial Support
- CNU offers scholarships and financial aid. The university encourages early applications for students seeking admission and scholarship consideration. Eligibility, award amounts, and application conditions depend on the funding program.
- International applicants should confirm eligibility for individual scholarships and financial aid opportunities before relying on them to finance their studies.
University Services & Academic Support
CNU's academic programs emphasize faculty engagement and opportunities for hands-on learning. Relevant academic resources include:
- Faculty mentorship: Faculty support within academic programs.
- Research and creative activity: An undergraduate certificate in Research and Creative Activity appears in the university's degree inventory.
- Arts and humanities: Academic offerings include studio art, photography and video art, theatre, music, and art history.
- International student support: The university maintains dedicated international admissions information and services.
Access to specific studios, laboratories, and other facilities depends on the relevant course or program.
Application Requirements
Freshman applicants must submit:
- An online application.
- An application essay.
- The $65 non-refundable application fee or an approved fee waiver.
- The most recent official high school transcript.
- SAT, ACT, and/or CLT scores sent directly to CNU, unless applying test-optional.
- English-proficiency test results, where required for international admission.
- An Early Decision Agreement, when applying through Early Decision.
International applicants must also meet the applicable English-proficiency requirements. The university's general freshman application requirements do not establish a universal portfolio requirement for art-related programs. Applicants should check their chosen program's official requirements before submitting creative materials.
Graduate applicants should consult the relevant graduate program for its specific supporting documents and prerequisites.
How to Apply?
- Undergraduate Application Portal
- International Admissions Portal
- Graduate Programs Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Early Decision deadline: 15 November 2026
- Early Decision notification: 15 December 2026
- Early Action deadline: 1 December 2026
- Early Action notification: 15 January 2027
- Regular Decision deadline: 1 February 2027
- Regular Decision notification: 15 March 2027
Location
Christopher Newport University — Newport News, Virginia, United States
Additional Details
- CNU's tuition classification distinguishes Virginia residents from out-of-state students; international applicants should review the applicable out-of-state tuition rates and any additional international enrollment conditions.
- Applicants interested in film should note that Film Studies is listed as a minor, rather than as a standalone bachelor's degree in the published academic program directory. Photography and Video Art and Studio Art are separate undergraduate options. Graduate programs have different degree structures and tuition rates from undergraduate programs.