JMU vs. Roanoke College

Comparable Facts

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

James Madison University is larger than Roanoke College based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 1,804 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

JMU vs. Roanoke College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JMU or Roanoke College? 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 Roanoke College ($18,856 vs. $26,044).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 15% lower than at Roanoke College ($13,056 vs. $15,366).
• Roanoke College is 167.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $23,818 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.5% higher at Roanoke College than at James Madison University (about $6,464 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Roanoke College than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Roanoke College students is 132.7% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($28,188 vs. $12,114).

JMU vs. Roanoke College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 60 points higher than at Roanoke College (1200).
• Incoming Roanoke College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at JMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 1170/1340; Roanoke College 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 24/29; Roanoke College 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JMU - Test optional; Roanoke College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Roanoke College (3.56).
• Roanoke College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at JMU vs. 9.7% at Roanoke College.

JMU vs. Roanoke College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JMU and Roanoke College? 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 Roanoke College's (69%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than Roanoke College graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $51,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $6,101 lower median loan debt than Roanoke College graduates ($20,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roanoke College graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Roanoke College students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 75%)

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.