Asbury University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Asbury University in Wilmore, KY 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 Asbury University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 2,100 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Asbury University is located in Wilmore, KY (Town Fringe setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Asbury University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Asbury University 13:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Asbury University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Asbury 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 Asbury University ($18,856 vs. $23,033).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Asbury University are 17.2% lower than at James Madison University ($10,804 vs. $13,056).
• Asbury University is 136.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $19,390 more per year; $33,640.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.4% higher at Asbury University than at James Madison University (about $2,036 more per year; $33,640.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Asbury University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Asbury University students is 102.4% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($24,516 vs. $12,114).

Asbury University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Asbury 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 Asbury University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 60 points higher than at Asbury University (1200).
• Incoming JMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Asbury University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Asbury University 1080/1320; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Asbury University 21/28; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Asbury University - Test-free; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Asbury University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at JMU (3.57).
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Asbury University (63.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.1% at Asbury University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Asbury University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Asbury 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 Asbury University's (71%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $20,800 more per year than Asbury University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $39,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $5,044 lower median loan debt than Asbury University graduates ($20,899 vs. $25,943).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Asbury University graduates ($216 vs. $268).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Asbury University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 72%)

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.