JMU vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

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

James Madison University is larger than Longwood University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 4,612 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: James Madison University 17:1; Longwood University 15:1.

JMU vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JMU or Longwood 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 Longwood University ($18,856 vs. $20,847).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 25.1% lower than at Longwood University ($13,056 vs. $17,424).
• Longwood University is 10.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $1,494 more per year; $15,744.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13% higher at JMU than at Longwood University (about $3,626 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $27,978.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Longwood University than at James Madison University (97% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Longwood University students is 15.2% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($13,954 vs. $12,114).

JMU vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 140 points higher than at Longwood University (1120).
• Incoming JMU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Longwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 1170/1340; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 24/29; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JMU - Test optional; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Longwood University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Longwood University has a higher acceptance rate (90.2%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at JMU vs. 17% at Longwood University.

JMU vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JMU and Longwood 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 Longwood University's (60%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $17,100 more per year than Longwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $43,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $4,101 lower median loan debt than Longwood University graduates ($20,899 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Longwood University graduates ($216 vs. $258).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Longwood 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.