Duquesne University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, 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 Duquesne University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 8,234 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Duquesne University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Duquesne 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 Duquesne University ($18,856 vs. $37,917).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 20.3% lower than at Duquesne University ($13,056 vs. $16,374).
• Duquesne University is 243.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $34,736 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55% higher at Duquesne University than at James Madison University (about $17,382 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Duquesne University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duquesne University students is 146.4% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($29,850 vs. $12,114).

Duquesne University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Duquesne University (1260) is the same as at JMU (1260).
• Incoming Duquesne University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at JMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duquesne University 1180/1340; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Duquesne University 26/32; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Duquesne University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Duquesne University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Duquesne University has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Duquesne University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Duquesne University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Duquesne 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 Duquesne University's (73%).
• Graduates from Duquesne University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than JMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,100 vs. $60,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $6,101 lower median loan debt than Duquesne University graduates ($20,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Duquesne University graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Duquesne University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 82%)

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.