First Steps | Admissions | Financial Information | Student Life | Living on Campus | Technology
How do I accept CNU's offer of admission?
Log on to the Admitted Student System and let us know if you will be joining us. Early Decision students must confirm no later than Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. For Early Action and Regular Decision applications, your decision to enroll must be received no later than Tuesday, May 1, 2012.
What is the $500 enrollment deposit?
The enrollment deposit is mandatory for all incoming freshmen. The enrollment deposit confirms your decision to join CNU and saves your spot in the class of 2016. Enrollment deposits should be paid through the Admitted Student System no later than May 1.
Can I get a refund for my enrollment deposit?
- Students requesting a refund of their enrollment deposit before March 15 will receive $450.
- Students requesting a refund of their enrollment deposit after March 15 and prior to their Setting Sail date will receive $300.
- Students requesting a refund of their enrollment deposit after their selected Setting Sail date and prior to June 30 will receive $100.
- No refunds will be awarded after June 30.
Students that have paid for guests to attend Setting Sail will receive a full refund of the guest fees if requested prior to their Setting Sail session.
What is Setting Sail? When can I sign up?
Setting Sail, our new student orientation program, is mandatory for all first-year students planning to attend CNU. You may register for Setting Sail in the Admitted Student System.
I have a conflict with the Setting Sail dates! Am I required to attend Setting Sail?
Yes. However, we realize that some students may have special circumstances that may conflict with Setting Sail. Exceptions must be approved by Kevin Hughes, dean of students. Contact orientation@cnu.edu if you have questions.
When should I send my final high school transcript?
Your enrollment is contingent upon the successful completion of your current coursework and graduation. Your final high school transcript must be received in the Office of Admissions before the start of classes.
How do I choose my fall semester course preferences?
You will have the opportunity to pick your course preferences through the Admitted Student System. This is not your official course schedule, but simply a preferred list. With the help of your faculty core advisor and the Office of the Registrar, your final schedule will reflect the University’s core requirements and your academic interests. The Office of the Registrar will look at any AP, IB, or dual enrollment credit and award appropriate credit.
I have AP/IB/Cambridge/Dual-Enrollment credits from high school. Can I earn academic credit at CNU?
Credits for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, University of Cambridge units and dual enrollment courses are welcome at CNU. College credit may be granted for scores of 3 or better on AP exams, 4 or 5 on higher-level IB exams, A or AS-level Cambridge exams and qualifying grades on courses for dual enrollment. Your exam results or transcripts must be sent to the Office of the Registrar to be evaluated for college credit.
Can my admission be deferred to a later semester?
Requests for deferred admission must be made in writing to the dean of admissions.
Financial Information
I'm a Virginia resident, but I received my aid award letter saying that I'm out of state? I'm a Virginia resident or a dependent of an active duty military member stationed in Virginia.
All students seeking to qualify for in-state tuition rates must submit the CNU Supplement and fill out pages 3-4 regarding in-state tuition. This form must be received before the first day of classes of the term or semester in which you are applying. Additional information may be requested beyond the application. For any questions, contact us at uresidency@cnu.edu.
How do I find out about scholarships and other financial aid?
CNU offers two types of financial aid: need-based aid and merit scholarships. To apply for need-based financial aid, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Our priority deadline to receive your FAFSA information is Feb. 1. CNU's school code for the FAFSA is 003706. Learn more about financial aid >>>
Merit scholarships are available through the Honors Program and the President’s Leadership Program (PLP). Scholarships range in value from $1,000 to $5,000 per year. A separate application is required. To apply, click here. The priority deadline for Honors and PLP is Dec. 1. Notification varies depending on your decision plan – Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision. Merit scholarships are available to incoming freshmen only and interviews are required for the Honors and President’s Leadership Programs.
How much is tuition, room and board at CNU?
You will find the most current information on tuition, room and board in our Business Office.
Does CNU offer a monthly tuition payment plan?
There is a monthly tuition payment plan here at CNU. This plan allows you to pay your annual tuition and fees in 10 equal monthly installments. Learn more >>>
Who do I contact about the Virginia Prepaid Tuition Program (VPEP)?
The Office of Student Accounts can assist you. You may reach them by phone at 757-594-7582. If you have questions regarding your VPEP or VEST account, please call VPEP directly at 888-567-0540.
How do I choose my courses for the fall semester?
All students will meet with their faculty core advisor during Welcome Week in August. At this time, you will review your course schedule. Prior to receiving your schedule, you will choose preferred courses through our Admitted Student System.
When will I be issued my student ID number, ID card and have access to email?
Access to email and other web-based services are issued during Setting Sail, the two-day summer orientation program.
What type of campus security is offered at CNU?
CNU has a highly trained police force that is certified through the Police Academy and Virginia Department of Criminal Services and is augmented with security personnel and police aides.
How does CNU let students know if there is an emergency on campus?
The University has a dedicated emergency web site cnualert.info that gives up-to-date information and instructions in case of an emergency. You can sign up to receive text messages and emails when an emergency situation occurs.
Are freshmen required to live on campus?
Yes. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors are required to live on campus, unless you reside with a parent or legal guardian in Grafton, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Seaford, Tabb or Yorktown.
Does CNU offer special housing opportunities?
Learning Communities (LCs) are groups of approximately 20 students who take classes together and build strong relationships within the community. Each LC is a set of courses based on an area of academic interest or a theme that sets you on the path toward graduation in four years. Every freshman will select a LC when they register for Setting Sail.
Roommate Preference
Learning Communities (LC) provide a valuable resource for first-year academic success. The positive effect of Learning Communities on academic success is well documented. Therefore, all students will live either with or in close proximity of their LC in the residence halls. Students may preference a roommate, and we will do our best to match them accordingly; however, LCs are our top priority when it comes to room assignments.
Honors and President's Leadership Program:
Another learning community, Quest Housing, gives interested Honors and Leadership Students the option of living together in a wing of York River Hall. Quest is a popular choice if you wish to live in an environment with other freshmen who share high energy and enthusiasm for intensive academic pursuits. Please note that it is not possible to participate in both Quest Housing and a separate Learning Community.
When will I receive my housing and roommate assignment?
You will be notified of your residence hall and roommate assignment in late July.
Does CNU offer any special discounts on computers?
As a full- or part-time student, you receive educational discounts through special pricing on Macs, Apple software and selected third party software. There will be an Apple representative on site to answer any questions about Apple machines. You will be able to purchase or order the computer you will need. Please visit the the Captains Locker for more information.
Should I purchase a notebook or desktop computer?
There is no university preference, and it is a matter of personal choice. If you choose to bring a laptop, classrooms are wired for use and students regularly use laptops in class.
Does CNU offer wireless internet access?
Yes. CNU offers wireless access in all academic buildings. In addition, the David Student Union, Freeman Center and residence hall lobbies are also wireless.
