JMU vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

James Madison University is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: James Madison University 17:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

JMU vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JMU or Washington and Lee? 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 Washington and Lee ($18,856 vs. $23,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 30.1% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($13,056 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 377.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $53,795 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 115.3% higher at Washington and Lee than at James Madison University (about $36,441 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at James Madison University (64% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 427.9% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($63,945 vs. $12,114).

JMU vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 230 points higher than at JMU (1260).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 26 at JMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 1170/1340; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 24/29; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JMU - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at JMU (3.57).
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at JMU vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

JMU vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JMU and Washington and Lee? 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).

• Washington and Lee University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than James Madison University's (81%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $28,700 more per year than JMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $60,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $601 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($20,899 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($216 vs. $222).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JMU students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 83%)

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.