James Madison University vs Virginia Wesleyan University
James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, VA, and Virginia Wesleyan University is a private university in Virginia Beach, VA. James Madison University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 72% of applicants against 73% at Virginia Wesleyan University. Virginia Wesleyan University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,676 a year against $23,322 at James Madison University. About 80% of students graduate at James Madison University, compared with 46% at Virginia Wesleyan University. Ten years after enrolling, James Madison University alumni earn a median of about $69,954, against $50,074 for Virginia Wesleyan University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
20,888
1,256
Acceptance rate
72%
73%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.46–3.96
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1340
1140–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
28–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,322
$19,676
Full cost / yr
$31,735
$51,255
In-state tuition
$14,250
$37,500
Out-of-state tuition
$31,604
$37,500
Application fee
$70
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,444
$14,080
$30k - $48k
$12,977
$17,108
$48k - $75k
$16,475
$15,967
$75k - $110k
$22,343
$22,603
Over $110k
$30,147
$24,782
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
46%
Freshman retention
92%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,438
$39,200
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,954
$50,074
Median debt at graduation
$20,093
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
27%
First-generation students
21%
31%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
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 Virginia Wesleyan University harder to get into?
- James Madison University is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 73% at Virginia Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University?
- Virginia Wesleyan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,676 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 Virginia Wesleyan University?
- Before aid, James Madison University costs about $31,735 a year and Virginia Wesleyan University about $51,255. 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 Wesleyan University?
- James Madison University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,444 there, against about $14,080 at Virginia Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University?
- James Madison University is the larger of the two, with about 20,888 undergraduates against 1,256 at Virginia Wesleyan University.
- Does James Madison University or Virginia Wesleyan University have a better graduation rate?
- James Madison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 46% at Virginia Wesleyan University.
- Do graduates of James Madison University or Virginia Wesleyan University earn more?
- James Madison University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,954 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,074 for Virginia Wesleyan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do James Madison University and Virginia Wesleyan University require SAT or ACT scores?
- James Madison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Wesleyan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do James Madison University and Virginia Wesleyan University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1340 at James Madison University and 1140–1350 at Virginia Wesleyan 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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