Caldwell University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ 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 Caldwell University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 2,005 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Caldwell University is located in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Caldwell University 12:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Caldwell University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caldwell 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 Caldwell University ($18,856 vs. $21,875).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 8% lower than at Caldwell University ($13,056 vs. $14,188).
• Caldwell University is 186.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $26,598 more per year; $40,848.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.2% higher at Caldwell University than at James Madison University (about $9,244 more per year; $40,848.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Caldwell University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Caldwell University students is 167% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($32,340 vs. $12,114).

Caldwell University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 10 points higher than at Caldwell University (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Caldwell University 1130/1370; 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: Caldwell University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Caldwell University (71.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Caldwell University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Caldwell University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caldwell 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 Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $13,500 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $4,851 lower median loan debt than Caldwell University graduates ($20,899 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Caldwell University graduates ($216 vs. $266).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 50%)

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.