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James Madison University vs Patrick Henry College

James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, VA, and Patrick Henry College is a private college in Purcellville, VA. James Madison University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 72% of applicants against 77% at Patrick Henry College. About 80% of students graduate at James Madison University, compared with 71% at Patrick Henry College.

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public
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Patrick Henry College

Purcellville, VA · Private
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At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Purcellville, VA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
20,888
395
Acceptance rate
72%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1340
1240–1420
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
27–33
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,322
Not reported
Full cost / yr
$31,735
Not reported
In-state tuition
$14,250
$28,425
Out-of-state tuition
$31,604
$28,425
Application fee
$70
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,444
Not reported
$30k - $48k
$12,977
Not reported
$48k - $75k
$16,475
Not reported
$75k - $110k
$22,343
Not reported
Over $110k
$30,147
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
71%
Freshman retention
92%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,438
Not reported
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,954
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$20,093
Not reported
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
0%
First-generation students
21%
Not reported
International students
1%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jul 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.

Frequently asked questions
Is James Madison University or Patrick Henry College harder to get into?
James Madison University is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 77% at Patrick Henry College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is bigger, James Madison University or Patrick Henry College?
James Madison University is the larger of the two, with about 20,888 undergraduates against 395 at Patrick Henry College.
Does James Madison University or Patrick Henry College have a better graduation rate?
James Madison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 71% at Patrick Henry College.
Do James Madison University and Patrick Henry College require SAT or ACT scores?
James Madison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Patrick Henry College requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do James Madison University and Patrick Henry College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1340 at James Madison University and 1240–1420 at Patrick Henry College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

James Madison University vs University of Virginia-Main CampusJames Madison University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityJames Madison University vs George Mason UniversityPatrick Henry College vs Washington University of Science and TechnologyPatrick Henry College vs Hampden-Sydney CollegePatrick Henry College vs Bluefield University

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