DeSales University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare DeSales University in Center Valley, 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 DeSales University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 2,972 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

DeSales University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DeSales 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 DeSales University ($18,856 vs. $31,732).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 5.4% lower than at DeSales University ($13,056 vs. $13,800).
• DeSales University is 228.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $32,550 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.1% higher at DeSales University than at James Madison University (about $15,196 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at DeSales University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DeSales University students is 155.2% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($30,909 vs. $12,114).

DeSales University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DeSales University or JMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between JMU and DeSales University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 80 points higher than at DeSales University (1180).
• Incoming DeSales University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 26 at JMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: DeSales University 1090/1260; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: DeSales University 27/28; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DeSales University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DeSales University Aug 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman JMU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at DeSales University (3.39).
• DeSales University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at DeSales University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

DeSales University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DeSales University and JMU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• James Madison University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than DeSales University's (69%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than DeSales University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $51,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $5,101 lower median loan debt than DeSales University graduates ($20,899 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DeSales University graduates ($216 vs. $268).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DeSales University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 71%)

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.