JMU vs. Mary Washington College

Comparable Facts

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

James Madison University is larger than Mary Washington College based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 3,826 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting); University of Mary Washington is in Fredericksburg, VA (Small Suburban setting).
• James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Mary Washington is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: James Madison University 17:1; University of Mary Washington 13:1.

JMU vs. Mary Washington College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JMU or Mary Washington 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 Mary Washington College ($18,856 vs. $21,800).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 8.4% lower than at University of Mary Washington ($13,056 vs. $14,250).
• University of Mary Washington is 2.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $390 more per year; $14,640.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.7% higher at JMU than at University of Mary Washington (about $4,044 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $27,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Mary Washington than at James Madison University (99% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by James Madison University students is 15.5% larger than aid received by University of Mary Washington students ($12,114 vs. $10,491).

JMU vs. Mary Washington College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JMU or Mary Washington 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 Mary Washington College and JMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Mary Washington (1270) is 10 points higher than at JMU (1260).
• Incoming Mary Washington College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at JMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 1170/1340; University of Mary Washington 1170/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 24/29; University of Mary Washington 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JMU - Test optional; Mary Washington College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mary Washington College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Mary Washington College has a higher acceptance rate (79.8%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at JMU vs. 17.7% at Mary Washington College.

JMU vs. Mary Washington College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JMU and Mary Washington 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 University of Mary Washington's (71%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Mary Washington College graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $55,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $601 lower median loan debt than Mary Washington College graduates ($20,899 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mary Washington College graduates ($216 vs. $222).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mary Washington College students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 80%)

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.