JMU vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA with Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Liberty University is larger than JMU based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 22,740 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: James Madison University 17:1; Liberty University 18:1.

JMU vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JMU or Liberty University? 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 Liberty University ($18,856 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 5.6% lower than at Liberty University ($13,056 vs. $13,835).
• Liberty University is 57.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $8,215 more per year; $22,465.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.7% higher at JMU than at Liberty University (about $9,139 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Liberty University than at James Madison University (97% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Liberty University students is 3.1% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($12,489 vs. $12,114).

JMU vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JMU or Liberty University? 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 Liberty University and JMU.

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 110 points higher than at Liberty University (1150).
• Incoming JMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Liberty University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 1170/1340; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 24/29; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JMU - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at JMU vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

JMU vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JMU and Liberty University? 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 Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $21,200 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $3,267 lower median loan debt than Liberty University graduates ($20,899 vs. $24,166).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Liberty University graduates ($216 vs. $249).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 36%)

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.