James Madison University vs Old Dominion University
James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, VA. Old Dominion University is a public university in Norfolk, VA. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants and Old Dominion University about 90%, making James Madison University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,638 a year at Old Dominion University after aid, and about $23,322 at James Madison University. About 80% of students graduate at James Madison University, compared with 45% at Old Dominion University. Ten years after enrolling, James Madison University alumni earn a median of about $69,954, against $54,914 for Old Dominion University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Norfolk, VA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
20,888
17,514
Acceptance rate
72%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.27–3.77
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1340
1100–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,322
$14,638
Full cost / yr
$31,735
$29,446
In-state tuition
$14,250
$12,750
Out-of-state tuition
$31,604
$33,780
Application fee
$70
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,444
$9,739
$30k - $48k
$12,977
$10,114
$48k - $75k
$16,475
$13,123
$75k - $110k
$22,343
$16,940
Over $110k
$30,147
$23,567
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
45%
Freshman retention
92%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,438
$46,732
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,954
$54,914
Median debt at graduation
$20,093
$24,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
37%
First-generation students
21%
33%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Feb 1
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 Old Dominion University harder to get into?
- James Madison University is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 90% at Old Dominion 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 Old Dominion University?
- Old Dominion University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,638 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 James Madison University and Old Dominion University?
- Before aid, Old Dominion University costs about $29,446 a year and James Madison University about $31,735. 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 Old Dominion University?
- Old Dominion University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,739 there, against about $11,444 at James Madison 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 Old Dominion University?
- James Madison University is the larger of the two, with about 20,888 undergraduates against 17,514 at Old Dominion University.
- Does James Madison University or Old Dominion University have a better graduation rate?
- James Madison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 45% at Old Dominion University.
- Do graduates of James Madison University or Old Dominion University earn more?
- James Madison University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,954 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,914 for Old Dominion University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do James Madison University and Old Dominion University require SAT or ACT scores?
- James Madison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Old Dominion University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do James Madison University and Old Dominion University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1340 at James Madison University and 1100–1280 at Old Dominion 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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