James Madison University vs Sweet Briar College
James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, VA. Sweet Briar College is a private college in Sweet Briar, VA. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants and Sweet Briar College about 76%, making James Madison University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,758 a year at Sweet Briar College after aid, and about $23,322 at James Madison University. About 80% of students graduate at James Madison University, compared with 50% at Sweet Briar College. Ten years after enrolling, James Madison University alumni earn a median of about $69,954, against $51,943 for Sweet Briar College.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Sweet Briar, VA
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
20,888
443
Acceptance rate
72%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1340
1100–1310
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
21–27
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,322
$17,758
Full cost / yr
$31,735
$43,898
In-state tuition
$14,250
$26,160
Out-of-state tuition
$31,604
$26,160
Application fee
$70
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,444
$11,734
$30k - $48k
$12,977
$12,568
$48k - $75k
$16,475
$15,247
$75k - $110k
$22,343
$20,188
Over $110k
$30,147
$24,710
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
50%
Freshman retention
92%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,438
$35,533
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,954
$51,943
Median debt at graduation
$20,093
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
31%
First-generation students
21%
23%
International students
1%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
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 Sweet Briar College harder to get into?
- James Madison University is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 76% at Sweet Briar College. 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 Sweet Briar College?
- Sweet Briar College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,758 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 Sweet Briar College?
- Before aid, James Madison University costs about $31,735 a year and Sweet Briar College about $43,898. 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 Sweet Briar College?
- James Madison University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,444 there, against about $11,734 at Sweet Briar College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, James Madison University or Sweet Briar College?
- James Madison University is the larger of the two, with about 20,888 undergraduates against 443 at Sweet Briar College.
- Does James Madison University or Sweet Briar College have a better graduation rate?
- James Madison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 50% at Sweet Briar College.
- Do graduates of James Madison University or Sweet Briar College earn more?
- James Madison University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,954 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,943 for Sweet Briar College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do James Madison University and Sweet Briar College require SAT or ACT scores?
- James Madison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Sweet Briar College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do James Madison University and Sweet Briar College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1340 at James Madison University and 1100–1310 at Sweet Briar 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 UniversitySweet Briar College vs Washington University of Science and TechnologySweet Briar College vs Hampden-Sydney CollegeSweet Briar College vs Bluefield University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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