Franciscan vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, 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 Franciscan based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 3,976 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Franciscan vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Franciscan 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 Franciscan ($18,856 vs. $23,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Franciscan University of Steubenville are 23.4% lower than at James Madison University ($10,000 vs. $13,056).
• Franciscan University of Steubenville is 139.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $19,850 more per year; $34,100.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.9% higher at Franciscan than at James Madison University (about $2,496 more per year; $34,100.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franciscan University of Steubenville than at James Madison University (99% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Franciscan University of Steubenville students is 77.7% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($21,522 vs. $12,114).

Franciscan vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Franciscan 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 Franciscan.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 30 points higher than at Franciscan (1230).
• Incoming JMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Franciscan).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Franciscan University of Steubenville 1110/1350; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Franciscan University of Steubenville 22/29; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Franciscan - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Franciscan students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at JMU (3.57).
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Franciscan (58.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.7% at Franciscan vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Franciscan vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Franciscan 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 Franciscan University of Steubenville's (70%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $20,500 more per year than Franciscan graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $1,101 lower median loan debt than Franciscan graduates ($20,899 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Franciscan graduates ($216 vs. $227).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Franciscan students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 78%)

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.