Lycoming College vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Lycoming College in Williamsport, 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 Lycoming College based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 1,012 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lycoming College is located in Williamsport, PA (Small City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Lycoming College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lycoming College 10:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Lycoming College vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lycoming 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 Lycoming College ($18,856 vs. $20,492).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 10.6% lower than at Lycoming College ($13,056 vs. $14,612).
• Lycoming College is 251.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $35,779 more per year; $50,029.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.3% higher at Lycoming College than at James Madison University (about $18,425 more per year; $50,029.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lycoming College than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lycoming College students is 258.8% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($43,470 vs. $12,114).

Lycoming College vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lycoming 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 Lycoming College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 70 points higher than at Lycoming College (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lycoming College 1080/1300; 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: Lycoming College - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lycoming College students have the same average high school GPA (3.57) as students at JMU (3.57).
• Lycoming College has a higher acceptance rate (74.1%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Lycoming College vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Lycoming College vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lycoming 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 Lycoming College's (70%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $11,500 more per year than Lycoming College graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $48,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $6,101 lower median loan debt than Lycoming College graduates ($20,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lycoming College graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lycoming College students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 74%)

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.