JMU vs. University of Lynchburg

Comparable Facts

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

James Madison University is larger than University of Lynchburg based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 2,316 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting); University of Lynchburg is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Lynchburg is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: James Madison University 17:1; University of Lynchburg 11:1.

JMU vs. University of Lynchburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JMU or University of Lynchburg? 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 University of Lynchburg ($18,856 vs. $23,845).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 4.7% lower than at University of Lynchburg ($13,056 vs. $13,700).
• University of Lynchburg is 157.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $22,500 more per year; $36,750.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.3% higher at University of Lynchburg than at James Madison University (about $5,146 more per year; $36,750.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Lynchburg than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Lynchburg students is 118.7% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($26,491 vs. $12,114).

JMU vs. University of Lynchburg Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 150 points higher than at University of Lynchburg (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 1170/1340; University of Lynchburg 980/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JMU - Test optional; University of Lynchburg - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027; University of Lynchburg Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at University of Lynchburg (3.53).
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than University of Lynchburg (43%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at JMU vs. 14.7% at University of Lynchburg.

JMU vs. University of Lynchburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JMU and University of Lynchburg? 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 University of Lynchburg's (52%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than University of Lynchburg graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $6,101 lower median loan debt than University of Lynchburg graduates ($20,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Lynchburg graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Lynchburg students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 70%)

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.