Campbell University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC 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 Campbell University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 4,963 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Campbell University is located in Buies Creek, NC (Distant Rural setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Campbell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Campbell University 13:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Campbell University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Campbell 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 Campbell University ($18,856 vs. $25,736).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 14.1% lower than at Campbell University ($13,056 vs. $15,200).
• Campbell University is 191.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $27,350 more per year; $41,600.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.6% higher at Campbell University than at James Madison University (about $9,996 more per year; $41,600.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Campbell University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Campbell University students is 201.6% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($36,532 vs. $12,114).

Campbell University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 130 points higher than at Campbell University (1130).
• Incoming JMU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Campbell University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Campbell University 1030/1230; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Campbell University 19/25; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Campbell University - Test-free; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Campbell University (3.52).
• Campbell University has a higher acceptance rate (87.2%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at Campbell University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Campbell University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Campbell 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 Campbell University's (55%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Campbell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $55,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $2,601 lower median loan debt than Campbell University graduates ($20,899 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Campbell University graduates ($216 vs. $242).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Campbell University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 59%)

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.