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Hollins University vs James Madison University

Hollins University is a private university in Roanoke, VA. James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, VA. Hollins University admits about 68% of applicants and James Madison University about 72%, making Hollins University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $20,896 a year at Hollins University after aid, and about $23,322 at James Madison University. About 80% of students graduate at James Madison University, compared with 67% at Hollins University. Ten years after enrolling, James Madison University alumni earn a median of about $69,954, against $40,075 for Hollins University.

Hollins University

Roanoke, VA · Private

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Roanoke, VA
Harrisonburg, VA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
665
20,888
Acceptance rate
68%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.48–3.98
3.47–3.97
SAT (middle 50%)
1150–1340
1170–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
23–29
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,896
$23,322
Full cost / yr
$58,698
$31,735
In-state tuition
$43,560
$14,250
Out-of-state tuition
$43,560
$31,604
Application fee
$0
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,511
$11,444
$30k - $48k
$19,304
$12,977
$48k - $75k
$20,395
$16,475
$75k - $110k
$20,721
$22,343
Over $110k
$26,826
$30,147
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
80%
Freshman retention
74%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$29,863
$57,438
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,075
$69,954
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$20,093
Student body
Pell grant recipients
39%
17%
First-generation students
26%
21%
International students
6%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Oct 15
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 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 Hollins University or James Madison University harder to get into?
Hollins University is harder to get into. It admits about 68% 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, Hollins University or James Madison University?
Hollins University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,896 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,322 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at Hollins University and James Madison University?
Before aid, James Madison University costs about $31,735 a year and Hollins University about $58,698. 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, Hollins University or James Madison University?
James Madison University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,444 there, against about $17,511 at Hollins University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Hollins University or James Madison University?
James Madison University is the larger of the two, with about 20,888 undergraduates against 665 at Hollins University.
Does Hollins University or James Madison University have a better graduation rate?
James Madison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 67% at Hollins University.
Do graduates of Hollins 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 $40,075 for Hollins University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Hollins University and James Madison University require SAT or ACT scores?
Hollins 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 Hollins University and James Madison University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1150–1340 at Hollins University and 1170–1340 at James Madison University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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