JMU vs. Randolph-Macon

Comparable Facts

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

James Madison University is larger than Randolph-Macon based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 1,687 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

JMU vs. Randolph-Macon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JMU or Randolph-Macon? 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 Randolph-Macon ($18,856 vs. $28,912).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 10.2% lower than at Randolph Macon College ($13,056 vs. $14,540).
• Randolph Macon College is 247.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $35,216 more per year; $49,466.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.5% higher at Randolph-Macon than at James Madison University (about $17,862 more per year; $49,466.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Randolph Macon College than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Randolph Macon College students is 188.7% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($34,972 vs. $12,114).

JMU vs. Randolph-Macon Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JMU or Randolph-Macon? 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 Randolph-Macon and JMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 160 points higher than at Randolph-Macon (1100).
• Incoming JMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Randolph-Macon).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 1170/1340; Randolph Macon College 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 24/29; Randolph Macon College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JMU - Test optional; Randolph-Macon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027; Randolph-Macon Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Randolph-Macon students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Randolph-Macon has a higher acceptance rate (86.6%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at JMU vs. 18.9% at Randolph-Macon.

JMU vs. Randolph-Macon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JMU and Randolph-Macon? 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 Randolph Macon College's (60%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than Randolph-Macon graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $50,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $6,101 lower median loan debt than Randolph-Macon graduates ($20,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Randolph-Macon graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Randolph-Macon students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 76%)

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.