Houghton University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Houghton University in Houghton, NY 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 Houghton University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Houghton University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Houghton 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 Houghton University ($18,856 vs. $21,274).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 13% lower than at James Madison University ($11,360 vs. $13,056).
• Houghton University is 29.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $4,180 more per year; $18,430.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.5% higher at JMU than at Houghton University (about $13,174 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by James Madison University students is 22.3% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($12,114 vs. $9,902).

Houghton University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Houghton University (1270) is 10 points higher than at JMU (1260).
• Incoming Houghton University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at JMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 1170/1375; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Houghton University 26/31; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Houghton University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at Houghton University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Houghton University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Houghton 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 Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $16,000 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $4,601 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($20,899 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($216 vs. $263).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 77%)

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.