JMU vs. Milligan

Comparable Facts

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

James Madison University is larger than Milligan based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 1,240 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting); Milligan University is in Milligan, TN (Midsize Suburban setting).
• James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Milligan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: James Madison University 17:1; Milligan University 10:1.

JMU vs. Milligan Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JMU or Milligan? 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 Milligan ($18,856 vs. $21,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Milligan University are 31.8% lower than at James Madison University ($8,900 vs. $13,056).
• Milligan University is 183.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $26,200 more per year; $40,450.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28% higher at Milligan than at James Madison University (about $8,846 more per year; $40,450.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Milligan University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Milligan University students is 157.7% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($31,220 vs. $12,114).

JMU vs. Milligan Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 60 points higher than at Milligan (1200).
• Incoming JMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Milligan).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 1170/1340; Milligan University 1133/1268.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 24/29; Milligan University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JMU - Test optional; Milligan - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027; Milligan Aug 28, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Milligan students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Milligan has a higher acceptance rate (72.3%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at JMU vs. 27.6% at Milligan.

JMU vs. Milligan Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JMU and Milligan? 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $4,601 lower median loan debt than Milligan graduates ($20,899 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Milligan graduates ($216 vs. $263).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Milligan 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.