Hollins College vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Hollins University in Roanoke, VA 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 Hollins College based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 761 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hollins University is located in Roanoke, VA (Midsize Suburban setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Hollins University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hollins University 8:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Hollins College vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hollins 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 Hollins College ($18,856 vs. $22,605).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 17.4% lower than at Hollins University ($13,056 vs. $15,800).
• Hollins University is 205.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $29,310 more per year; $43,560.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.8% higher at Hollins College than at James Madison University (about $11,956 more per year; $43,560.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hollins University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hollins University students is 198.4% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($36,154 vs. $12,114).

Hollins College vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 10 points higher than at Hollins College (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hollins University 1150/1340; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJames Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hollins College - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hollins College students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at JMU (3.57).
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Hollins College (68%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Hollins College vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Hollins College vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hollins 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).

• James Madison University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Hollins University's (63%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $24,700 more per year than Hollins College graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $6,101 lower median loan debt than Hollins College graduates ($20,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hollins College graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hollins College students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 57%)

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.