Lancaster Bible College vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

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

James Madison University is larger than Lancaster Bible College based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 2,519 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lancaster Bible College is located in Lancaster, PA (Large Suburban setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Lancaster Bible College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lancaster Bible College 19:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Lancaster Bible College vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lancaster Bible College or JMU? 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 Lancaster Bible College ($18,856 vs. $25,940).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lancaster Bible College are 6.4% lower than at James Madison University ($12,221 vs. $13,056).
• Lancaster Bible College is 110.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $15,740 more per year; $29,990.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at JMU than at Lancaster Bible College (about $1,614 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $29,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lancaster Bible College than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lancaster Bible College students is 46.9% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($17,797 vs. $12,114).

Lancaster Bible College vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 80 points higher than at Lancaster Bible College (1180).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lancaster Bible College 1070/1280; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsJames Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lancaster Bible College - Test optional; JMU - 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 Lancaster Bible College (3.31).
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Lancaster Bible College (55.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.7% at Lancaster Bible College vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Lancaster Bible College vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lancaster Bible College and JMU? 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 Lancaster Bible College's (49%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $25,400 more per year than Lancaster Bible College graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $34,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lancaster Bible College graduates have a $4,233 lower median loan debt than JMU graduates ($16,666 vs. $20,899).
• Among borrowers, Lancaster Bible College graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JMU graduates ($172 vs. $216).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lancaster Bible College students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 67%)

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.