James Madison University vs Washington and Lee University
James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, VA, and Washington and Lee University is a private university in Lexington, VA. Washington and Lee University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 14% 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 $23,781 at Washington and Lee University. About 94% of students graduate at Washington and Lee University, compared with 80% at James Madison University. Ten years after enrolling, Washington and Lee University alumni earn a median of about $94,810, 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
* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.
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 Washington and Lee University harder to get into?
- Washington and Lee University is harder to get into. It admits about 14% 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 Washington and Lee University?
- James Madison University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,322 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,781 at Washington and Lee 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 Washington and Lee University?
- Before aid, James Madison University costs about $31,735 a year and Washington and Lee University about $87,000. 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 Washington and Lee University?
- Washington and Lee University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-1,777 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 Washington and Lee University?
- James Madison University is the larger of the two, with about 20,888 undergraduates against 1,881 at Washington and Lee University.
- Does James Madison University or Washington and Lee University have a better graduation rate?
- Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 80% at James Madison University.
- Do graduates of James Madison University or Washington and Lee University earn more?
- Washington and Lee University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $94,810 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 Washington and Lee University require SAT or ACT scores?
- James Madison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Washington and Lee University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do James Madison University and Washington and Lee University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1170–1340 at James Madison University and 1430–1540 at Washington and Lee University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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.