Bluefield University vs James Madison University
Bluefield University is a private university in Bluefield, VA. James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, VA. Bluefield University admits about 59% of applicants and James Madison University about 72%, making Bluefield University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $23,322 a year at James Madison University after aid, and about $25,573 at Bluefield University. About 80% of students graduate at James Madison University, compared with 22% at Bluefield University. Ten years after enrolling, James Madison University alumni earn a median of about $69,954, against $48,896 for Bluefield University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Bluefield, VA
Harrisonburg, VA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
614
20,888
Acceptance rate
59%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.47–3.97
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1070
1170–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,573
$23,322
Full cost / yr
$42,539
$31,735
In-state tuition
$26,770
$14,250
Out-of-state tuition
$26,770
$31,604
Application fee
Not reported
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$25,807
$11,444
$30k - $48k
$25,454
$12,977
$48k - $75k
$25,732
$16,475
$75k - $110k
$25,374
$22,343
Over $110k
$25,430
$30,147
Outcomes
Graduation rate
22%
80%
Freshman retention
61%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,923
$57,438
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,896
$69,954
Median debt at graduation
$21,855
$20,093
Student body
Pell grant recipients
51%
17%
First-generation students
43%
21%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Bluefield University or James Madison University harder to get into?
- Bluefield University is harder to get into. It admits about 59% of applicants, compared with 72% at James Madison University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Bluefield University or James Madison University?
- James Madison University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,322 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,573 at Bluefield University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Bluefield University and James Madison University?
- Before aid, James Madison University costs about $31,735 a year and Bluefield University about $42,539. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bluefield University or James Madison University?
- James Madison University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,444 there, against about $25,807 at Bluefield University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Bluefield University or James Madison University?
- James Madison University is the larger of the two, with about 20,888 undergraduates against 614 at Bluefield University.
- Does Bluefield University or James Madison University have a better graduation rate?
- James Madison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 22% at Bluefield University.
- Do graduates of Bluefield University or James Madison University earn more?
- James Madison University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,954 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,896 for Bluefield University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Bluefield University and James Madison University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Bluefield University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. James Madison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Bluefield University and James Madison University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1070 at Bluefield University and 1170–1340 at James Madison University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Bluefield University vs Washington University of Science and TechnologyBluefield University vs Hampden-Sydney CollegeBluefield University vs Bon Secours Memorial College of NursingJames Madison University vs University of Virginia-Main CampusJames Madison University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityJames Madison University vs George Mason University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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