Freshman Admission
Find Your Home Away from Home at CNU
At CNU, you'll find more than a place to learn, you'll find a community where you belong. From your first day on campus, you'll be surrounded by students, faculty, and staff who support your goals, celebrate your successes, and make make campus feel like home.
Applying is Easy
We’ve made the application process straightforward so you can focus on what matters, imagining your future. Apply through the Common App and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions along the way.
Our first-year application is designed to be simple. Submit your application, transcripts, essay, and optional test scores, then check your applicant portal for updates as we guide you through the process.
While we look closely at your academic record (your GPA, courses, and standardized test scores if you choose to submit them), we know you are more than the numbers. Our Admission team wants to learn about you and what makes you unique. Make sure your personality stands out in your essay.
We also hope you take advantage of optional interviews with us. This isn’t a scary Q&A with right or wrong answers; it's a conversation between you and one friendly admission staff member, many of whom are recent graduates themselves. You can share more about yourself and your interests and goals, and you'll learn more about who we are and what we're all about.
You can even schedule an interview before you apply, and registration is available 30 days in advance
CNU Application Deadlines
We encourage you to apply early for the best chance at admission and scholarships!
- Early Decision: November 15
- Early Action: December 1
- Regular Decision: February 1
Our Application Review Process
CNU uses a holistic admission review, which means we look beyond your grades and test scores. Your extracurricular involvement, leadership experiences, personal qualities, and potential to contribute to campus life all matter. Apply with confidence - we’re looking for well-rounded students ready to learn and strengthen our campus community.
Freshman Housing
All freshmen live on campus in modern residence halls. Our caring and dedicated team works hard to make your transition to college smooth and fun. With amenities like shared lounges, study spaces, and easy access to dining and classrooms, you’ll feel right at home.
Freshman Orientation & Student Involvement
Our orientation program ensures you’re set up for success from the start. You’ll meet classmates, explore campus, and discover opportunities to get involved. From day one, you’ll feel like part of something bigger.
Beautiful Campus, Bright Futures
CNU’s stunning architecture, brick walkways, and tree-lined lawns create a classic college setting that feels like a storybook. Nestled in Newport News, Virginia, our campus is just minutes from beaches, parks, entertainment venues, arts facilities, amusement parks, historic venues, and museums, making it easy to balance exciting adventures and study breaks.
If you’ve earned college credit through AP exams, IB courses, or dual enrollment, we’ll help you make the most of it. You’re considered a first-year student if you’re enrolling in college for the first time after high school, even if you’ve taken college-level courses. Transfer students, by contrast, have completed 13 or more college credits post-high school graduation.
College is an investment in your future, and we’re here to help. Learn more about the FAFSA and explore the many scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities available to CNU students. Our Office of Financial Aid will support you and your families through this process.
Get Involved
With more than 200 clubs and organizations, there are endless ways to get involved and make meaningful connections at CNU. Whether you're into academic competition, service, Greek life, the arts, music and theatre, cultural exploration, you’ll find your people and your passion right here. This is where friendships are built, leadership takes root, and your college experience comes to life.
Become an Honors Student
Looking to challenge yourself even further? Explore CNU’s Honors Program, which offers a rigorous academic experience, exclusive seminars, and opportunities for research, study abroad, and leadership. It’s the perfect path for high-achieving students ready to go above and beyond.
Join the President’s Leadership Program (PLP)
Make a difference from day one by joining the President’s Leadership Program, one of the most distinctive leadership experiences in the nation. You’ll build your leadership skills, serve your community, and prepare for a lifetime of purpose and impact.
