Arcadia vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Arcadia University in Glenside, PA 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 Arcadia based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 3,404 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arcadia University is located in Glenside, PA (Large Suburban setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Arcadia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arcadia University 10:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Arcadia vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arcadia 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 Arcadia ($18,856 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 24% lower than at Arcadia University ($13,056 vs. $17,180).
• Arcadia University is 248.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $35,360 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57% higher at Arcadia than at James Madison University (about $18,006 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arcadia University than at James Madison University (99% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arcadia University students is 186.5% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($34,705 vs. $12,114).

Arcadia vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Arcadia 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 Arcadia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 90 points higher than at Arcadia (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arcadia University 1065/1265; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJames Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arcadia - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Arcadia (3.42).
• Arcadia has a higher acceptance rate (80.2%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.4% at Arcadia vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Arcadia vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arcadia 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 Arcadia University's (62%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than Arcadia graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $6,101 lower median loan debt than Arcadia graduates ($20,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arcadia graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arcadia students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 69%)

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.