Anonymous wrote:There are many great options in Virginia.

I just want to highlight this. We are truly blessed in Virginia to have so many great public options. Few, if any, other states can match Virginia.

My DC is an incoming freshman at CNU. He loved the feel of the campus. He preferred it over W&M. DC will be a business major and likes the business school there. High school stats are competitive- 4.6 weighted. Multiple AP classes with “5” and will graduate with an IB diploma as well. DC has gone to nationals in different ECs as well.
My DC said they could see themself there. As a parent, I want them to go where they will be happy. I believe the cream will rise to the top, at any institution.
Visit CNU and see if it is the right fit. And check on UMW and/or VCU. There are many great options in Virginia.

Anonymous wrote:They are giving good money to top students. I know very smart high achievers who went to CNU. The size was right, good food, pretty campus, and cheerful vibe. Their families didn’t have much money for college so when the choice was between W&M at full pay and terrible food and dorms or CNU at a very low price with a lovely campus and yummy food they chose CNU. Also, all the grads I know are working in their fields right away.

What a ridiculous post. Yummy food? Are you 12?

I'd visit all of them. Definitely different vibes. My DD strongly preferred UMW vs CNU and VCU but I know kids very happy at all of them. DD felt UMW felt closer to W&M while CNU was more like UVA.

I've agree VCU could be great for STEM+arts for fun. But check on how it works to participate in arts ensembles if you aren't in the majors.