Gettysburg College vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, 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 Gettysburg College based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 2,812 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gettysburg College is located in Gettysburg, PA (Distant Town setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Gettysburg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gettysburg College 10:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Gettysburg College vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gettysburg College 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 Gettysburg College ($18,856 vs. $32,769).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 19% lower than at Gettysburg College ($13,056 vs. $16,110).
• Gettysburg College is 367.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $52,390 more per year; $66,640.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.9% higher at Gettysburg College than at James Madison University (about $35,036 more per year; $66,640.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gettysburg College than at James Madison University (98% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gettysburg College students is 306.1% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($49,191 vs. $12,114).

Gettysburg College vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Gettysburg College 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 Gettysburg College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gettysburg College (1370) is 110 points higher than at JMU (1260).
• Incoming Gettysburg College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at JMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gettysburg College 1270/1460; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gettysburg College 29/32; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gettysburg College - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Gettysburg College Jan 15, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Gettysburg College (38.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Gettysburg College vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Gettysburg College vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gettysburg College 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).

• Gettysburg College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than James Madison University's (81%).
• Graduates from Gettysburg College earn a median of about $600 more per year than JMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,900 vs. $60,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $1,101 lower median loan debt than Gettysburg College graduates ($20,899 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gettysburg College graduates ($216 vs. $227).
• More Gettysburg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JMU students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.