Alfred University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Alfred University in Alfred, NY with James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

James Madison University is larger than Alfred University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 2,007 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alfred University is located in Alfred, NY (Remote Town setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Alfred University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alfred University 9:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Alfred University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alfred University or JMU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at James Madison University than Alfred University ($18,856 vs. $26,470).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 15.1% lower than at Alfred University ($13,056 vs. $15,380).
• Alfred University is 191.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $27,250 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.3% higher at Alfred University than at James Madison University (about $9,896 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alfred University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alfred University students is 156.1% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($31,022 vs. $12,114).

Alfred University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alfred University or JMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between JMU and Alfred University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 60 points higher than at Alfred University (1200).
• Incoming Alfred University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at JMU (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alfred University 1095/1310; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alfred University 24/29; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alfred University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alfred University Feb 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Alfred University (3.4).
• Alfred University has a higher acceptance rate (73.8%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at Alfred University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Alfred University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alfred University and JMU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• James Madison University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Alfred University's (60%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $14,600 more per year than Alfred University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $6,101 lower median loan debt than Alfred University graduates ($20,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alfred University graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alfred University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.