JMU vs. Marymount University

Comparable Facts

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

James Madison University is larger than Marymount University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 4,060 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting); Marymount University is in Arlington, VA (Midsize City setting).
• James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marymount University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: James Madison University 17:1; Marymount University 14:1.

JMU vs. Marymount University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JMU or Marymount 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 Marymount University ($18,856 vs. $31,989).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 23.2% lower than at Marymount University ($13,056 vs. $17,000).
• Marymount University is 187.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $26,670 more per year; $40,920.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.5% higher at Marymount University than at James Madison University (about $9,316 more per year; $40,920.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marymount University than at James Madison University (96% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marymount University students is 115.2% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($26,069 vs. $12,114).

JMU vs. Marymount University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 190 points higher than at Marymount University (1070).
• Incoming JMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Marymount University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 1170/1340; Marymount University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 24/29; Marymount University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JMU - Test optional; Marymount University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Marymount University (3.38).
• Marymount University has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at JMU vs. 11.6% at Marymount University.

JMU vs. Marymount University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JMU and Marymount 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 Marymount University's (48%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Marymount University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $55,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $4,101 lower median loan debt than Marymount University graduates ($20,899 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marymount University graduates ($216 vs. $258).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marymount University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 66%)

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.