James Madison University vs Liberty University
James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, VA, and Liberty University is a private university in Lynchburg, VA. James Madison University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 72% of applicants against 99% at Liberty University. James Madison University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,322 a year against $29,357 at Liberty University. About 80% of students graduate at James Madison University, compared with 64% at Liberty University. Ten years after enrolling, James Madison University alumni earn a median of about $69,954, against $44,813 for Liberty University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Lynchburg, VA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
20,888
50,012
Acceptance rate
72%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1340
1040–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
21–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,322
$29,357
Full cost / yr
$31,735
$42,025
In-state tuition
$14,250
$22,465
Out-of-state tuition
$31,604
$22,465
Application fee
$70
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,444
$30,667
$30k - $48k
$12,977
$27,807
$48k - $75k
$16,475
$27,347
$75k - $110k
$22,343
$27,142
Over $110k
$30,147
$30,545
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
64%
Freshman retention
92%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,438
$39,707
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,954
$44,813
Median debt at graduation
$20,093
$24,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
38%
First-generation students
21%
42%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jul 29
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 James Madison University or Liberty University harder to get into?
- James Madison University is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 99% at Liberty 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, James Madison University or Liberty University?
- James Madison University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,322 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,357 at Liberty 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 James Madison University and Liberty University?
- Before aid, James Madison University costs about $31,735 a year and Liberty University about $42,025. 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, James Madison University or Liberty University?
- James Madison University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,444 there, against about $30,667 at Liberty University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, James Madison University or Liberty University?
- Liberty University is the larger of the two, with about 50,012 undergraduates against 20,888 at James Madison University.
- Does James Madison University or Liberty University have a better graduation rate?
- James Madison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 64% at Liberty University.
- Do graduates of James Madison University or Liberty University earn more?
- James Madison University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,954 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,813 for Liberty University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do James Madison University and Liberty University require SAT or ACT scores?
- James Madison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Liberty University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do James Madison University and Liberty University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1340 at James Madison University and 1040–1250 at Liberty University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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