James Madison University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, VA, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public institute in Blacksburg, VA. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 55% of applicants against 72% at James Madison University. James Madison University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,322 a year against $24,953 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. About 86% of students graduate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, compared with 80% at James Madison University. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University alumni earn a median of about $81,698, against $69,954 for James Madison University.
See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.
Start the free quiz
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Blacksburg, VA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
20,888
30,923
Acceptance rate
72%
55%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1340
1280–1450
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,322
$24,953
Full cost / yr
$31,735
$36,951
In-state tuition
$14,250
$15,948
Out-of-state tuition
$31,604
$37,764
Application fee
$70
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,444
$11,689
$30k - $48k
$12,977
$11,670
$48k - $75k
$16,475
$17,894
$75k - $110k
$22,343
$25,835
Over $110k
$30,147
$34,201
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
86%
Freshman retention
92%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,438
$67,377
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,954
$81,698
Median debt at graduation
$20,093
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
15%
First-generation students
21%
18%
International students
1%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
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 Polytechnic Institute and State University harder to get into?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is harder to get into. It admits about 55% of applicants, compared with 72% 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.
- Which is cheaper, James Madison University or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
- James Madison University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,322 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,953 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University?
- Before aid, James Madison University costs about $31,735 a year and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University about $36,951. 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University?
- James Madison University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,444 there, against about $11,689 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the larger of the two, with about 30,923 undergraduates against 20,888 at James Madison University.
- Does James Madison University or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have a better graduation rate?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 80% at James Madison University.
- Do graduates of James Madison University or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University earn more?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,698 ten years after enrolling, against about $69,954 for James Madison University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do James Madison University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- James Madison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do James Madison University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1340 at James Madison University and 1280–1450 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
James Madison University vs University of Virginia-Main CampusJames Madison University vs George Mason UniversityJames Madison University vs Old Dominion UniversityVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs University of Virginia-Main CampusVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs George Mason UniversityVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs Old Dominion University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school