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Hampton University vs James Madison University

Hampton University is a private university in Hampton, VA, and James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, VA. Hampton University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 62% of applicants against 72% at James Madison University. James Madison University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,322 a year against $25,319 at Hampton University. About 80% of students graduate at James Madison University, compared with 56% at Hampton University. Ten years after enrolling, James Madison University alumni earn a median of about $69,954, against $59,159 for Hampton University.

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Hampton University

Hampton, VA · Private

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Hampton, VA
Harrisonburg, VA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,727
20,888
Acceptance rate
62%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.47–3.97
SAT (middle 50%)
790–1090
1170–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
13–22
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,319
$23,322
Full cost / yr
$46,027
$31,735
In-state tuition
$30,592
$14,250
Out-of-state tuition
$30,592
$31,604
Application fee
$50
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$32,101
$11,444
$30k - $48k
$14,207
$12,977
$48k - $75k
$14,305
$16,475
$75k - $110k
Not reported
$22,343
Over $110k
$31,528
$30,147
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
80%
Freshman retention
85%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,721
$57,438
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,159
$69,954
Median debt at graduation
$25,442
$20,093
Student body
Pell grant recipients
39%
17%
First-generation students
20%
21%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 1
Regular decision
Mar 1
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Hampton University or James Madison University harder to get into?
Hampton University is harder to get into. It admits about 62% 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, Hampton 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 $25,319 at Hampton 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 Hampton University and James Madison University?
Before aid, James Madison University costs about $31,735 a year and Hampton University about $46,027. 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, Hampton University or James Madison University?
James Madison University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,444 there, against about $32,101 at Hampton University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Hampton University or James Madison University?
James Madison University is the larger of the two, with about 20,888 undergraduates against 3,727 at Hampton University.
Does Hampton University or James Madison University have a better graduation rate?
James Madison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 56% at Hampton University.
Do graduates of Hampton 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 $59,159 for Hampton University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Hampton University and James Madison University require SAT or ACT scores?
Hampton 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 Hampton University and James Madison University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 790–1090 at Hampton University and 1170–1340 at James Madison University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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