JMU vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

James Madison University is larger than RU based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 7,812 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

JMU vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JMU or RU? 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 Radford University than JMU ($16,749 vs. $18,856).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Radford University are 4.2% lower than at James Madison University ($12,504 vs. $13,056).
• James Madison University is 13.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than RU (about $1,702 more per year; $14,250.00 vs. $12,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.3% higher at JMU than at Radford University (about $5,971 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $25,633.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Radford University than at James Madison University (94% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by James Madison University students is 2.1% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($12,114 vs. $11,870).

JMU vs. RU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 210 points higher than at RU (1050).
• Incoming JMU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at RU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 1170/1340; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 24/29; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JMU - Test optional; RU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at RU (3.31).
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at JMU vs. 14.4% at RU.

JMU vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JMU and RU? 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 Radford University's (56%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $12,900 more per year than RU graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $2,101 lower median loan debt than RU graduates ($20,899 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RU graduates ($216 vs. $237).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former RU 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.