Cedarville University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Cedarville University in Cedarville, OH 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 Cedarville University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 6,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cedarville University is located in Cedarville, OH (Town Fringe setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Cedarville University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cedarville University 14:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Cedarville University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cedarville 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 Cedarville University ($18,856 vs. $27,150).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cedarville University are 26.7% lower than at James Madison University ($9,574 vs. $13,056).
• Cedarville University is 160.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $22,900 more per year; $37,150.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.5% higher at Cedarville University than at James Madison University (about $5,546 more per year; $37,150.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cedarville University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cedarville University students is 83.1% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($22,177 vs. $12,114).

Cedarville University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 10 points higher than at Cedarville University (1250).
• Incoming JMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Cedarville University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cedarville University 1130/1360; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cedarville University 22/29; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cedarville University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cedarville University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at JMU (3.57).
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Cedarville University (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34% at Cedarville University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Cedarville University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cedarville 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 Cedarville University's (68%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $14,400 more per year than Cedarville University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $1,601 lower median loan debt than Cedarville University graduates ($20,899 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cedarville University graduates ($216 vs. $232).
• More Cedarville University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JMU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 83%)

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.