JMU vs. Old Dominion

Comparable Facts

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

Old Dominion University is larger than JMU based on total student enrollment (23,743 students vs. 22,740 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting); Old Dominion University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Old Dominion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: James Madison University 17:1; Old Dominion University 13:1.

JMU vs. Old Dominion Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JMU or Old Dominion? 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 Old Dominion University than JMU ($16,419 vs. $18,856).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 12.2% lower than at Old Dominion University ($13,056 vs. $14,878).
• James Madison University is 11.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Old Dominion (about $1,500 more per year; $14,250.00 vs. $12,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.9% higher at Old Dominion than at James Madison University (about $2,176 more per year; $33,780.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Old Dominion University than at James Madison University (94% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by James Madison University students is 3.2% larger than aid received by Old Dominion University students ($12,114 vs. $11,740).

JMU vs. Old Dominion Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 70 points higher than at Old Dominion (1190).
• Incoming JMU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at Old Dominion (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 1170/1340; Old Dominion University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 24/29; Old Dominion University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JMU - Test optional; Old Dominion - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027; Old Dominion Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Old Dominion (3.3).
• Old Dominion has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at JMU vs. 19.9% at Old Dominion.

JMU vs. Old Dominion Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JMU and Old Dominion? 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 Old Dominion University's (50%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than Old Dominion graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $2,601 lower median loan debt than Old Dominion graduates ($20,899 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Old Dominion graduates ($216 vs. $242).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Old Dominion students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 53%)

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.