James Madison University vs Shenandoah University
James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, VA, and Shenandoah University is a private university in Winchester, VA. James Madison University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 72% of applicants against 77% at Shenandoah University. James Madison University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,322 a year against $30,298 at Shenandoah University. About 80% of students graduate at James Madison University, compared with 69% at Shenandoah University. Ten years after enrolling, James Madison University alumni earn a median of about $69,954, against $58,433 for Shenandoah University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Winchester, VA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
20,888
2,116
Acceptance rate
72%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1340
1010–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,322
$30,298
Full cost / yr
$31,735
$51,928
In-state tuition
$14,250
$36,950
Out-of-state tuition
$31,604
$36,950
Application fee
$70
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,444
$24,356
$30k - $48k
$12,977
$26,715
$48k - $75k
$16,475
$26,635
$75k - $110k
$22,343
$30,332
Over $110k
$30,147
$33,591
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
69%
Freshman retention
92%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,438
$48,167
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,954
$58,433
Median debt at graduation
$20,093
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
19%
First-generation students
21%
28%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 4
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling
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 Shenandoah University harder to get into?
- James Madison University is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 77% at Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah University?
- James Madison University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,322 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,298 at Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah University?
- Before aid, James Madison University costs about $31,735 a year and Shenandoah University about $51,928. 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 Shenandoah University?
- James Madison University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,444 there, against about $24,356 at Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah University?
- James Madison University is the larger of the two, with about 20,888 undergraduates against 2,116 at Shenandoah University.
- Does James Madison University or Shenandoah University have a better graduation rate?
- James Madison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 69% at Shenandoah University.
- Do graduates of James Madison University or Shenandoah University earn more?
- James Madison University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,954 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,433 for Shenandoah University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do James Madison University and Shenandoah University require SAT or ACT scores?
- James Madison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Shenandoah University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do James Madison University and Shenandoah University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1340 at James Madison University and 1010–1230 at Shenandoah University. 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 UniversityShenandoah University vs Washington and Lee UniversityShenandoah University vs University of RichmondShenandoah University vs University of Virginia's College at Wise
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