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James Madison University vs University of Mary Washington

James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, VA, and University of Mary Washington is a public university in Fredericksburg, VA. James Madison University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 72% of applicants against 80% at University of Mary Washington. University of Mary Washington is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,667 a year against $23,322 at James Madison University. About 80% of students graduate at James Madison University, compared with 67% at University of Mary Washington. Ten years after enrolling, James Madison University alumni earn a median of about $69,954, against $60,613 for University of Mary Washington.

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James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Fredericksburg, VA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
20,888
3,566
Acceptance rate
72%
80%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1340
1170–1370
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
27–31
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,322
$20,667
Full cost / yr
$31,735
$31,137
In-state tuition
$14,250
$14,640
Out-of-state tuition
$31,604
$27,560
Application fee
$70
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,444
$10,304
$30k - $48k
$12,977
$11,061
$48k - $75k
$16,475
$15,477
$75k - $110k
$22,343
$26,212
Over $110k
$30,147
$30,986
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
67%
Freshman retention
92%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,438
$49,411
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,954
$60,613
Median debt at graduation
$20,093
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
21%
First-generation students
21%
25%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is James Madison University or University of Mary Washington harder to get into?
James Madison University is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 80% at University of Mary Washington. 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 University of Mary Washington?
University of Mary Washington is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,667 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 University of Mary Washington?
Before aid, University of Mary Washington costs about $31,137 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 University of Mary Washington?
University of Mary Washington. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,304 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 University of Mary Washington?
James Madison University is the larger of the two, with about 20,888 undergraduates against 3,566 at University of Mary Washington.
Does James Madison University or University of Mary Washington have a better graduation rate?
James Madison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 67% at University of Mary Washington.
Do graduates of James Madison University or University of Mary Washington earn more?
James Madison University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,954 ten years after enrolling, against about $60,613 for University of Mary Washington. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do James Madison University and University of Mary Washington require SAT or ACT scores?
James Madison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Mary Washington considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do James Madison University and University of Mary Washington look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1340 at James Madison University and 1170–1370 at University of Mary Washington. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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