James Madison University vs Virginia Commonwealth University
James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, VA. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public university in Richmond, VA. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants and Virginia Commonwealth University about 93%, making James Madison University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $23,322 a year at James Madison University after aid, and about $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth University. About 80% of students graduate at James Madison University, compared with 64% at Virginia Commonwealth University. Ten years after enrolling, James Madison University alumni earn a median of about $69,954, against $58,128 for Virginia Commonwealth University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Richmond, VA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
20,888
20,753
Acceptance rate
72%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1340
1010–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
22–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,322
$23,433
Full cost / yr
$31,735
$38,954
In-state tuition
$14,250
$16,945
Out-of-state tuition
$31,604
$40,109
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,444
$17,512
$30k - $48k
$12,977
$17,777
$48k - $75k
$16,475
$20,925
$75k - $110k
$22,343
$24,691
Over $110k
$30,147
$32,739
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
64%
Freshman retention
92%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,438
$47,161
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,954
$58,128
Median debt at graduation
$20,093
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
31%
First-generation students
21%
28%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15
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 Virginia Commonwealth University harder to get into?
- James Madison University is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 93% at Virginia Commonwealth 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
- James Madison University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,322 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
- Before aid, James Madison University costs about $31,735 a year and Virginia Commonwealth University about $38,954. 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
- James Madison University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,444 there, against about $17,512 at Virginia Commonwealth 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
- James Madison University is the larger of the two, with about 20,888 undergraduates against 20,753 at Virginia Commonwealth University.
- Does James Madison University or Virginia Commonwealth University have a better graduation rate?
- James Madison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 64% at Virginia Commonwealth University.
- Do graduates of James Madison University or Virginia Commonwealth University earn more?
- James Madison University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,954 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,128 for Virginia Commonwealth University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do James Madison University and Virginia Commonwealth University require SAT or ACT scores?
- James Madison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Commonwealth University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do James Madison University and Virginia Commonwealth University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1340 at James Madison University and 1010–1270 at Virginia Commonwealth 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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