Manhattan University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Manhattan University in Riverdale, NY 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 Manhattan University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 3,225 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Manhattan University is located in Riverdale, NY (Large City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Manhattan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Manhattan University 15:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Manhattan University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Manhattan University 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 Manhattan University ($18,856 vs. $29,717).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 30.6% lower than at Manhattan University ($13,056 vs. $18,800).
• Manhattan University is 274.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $39,150 more per year; $53,400.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69% higher at Manhattan University than at James Madison University (about $21,796 more per year; $53,400.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Manhattan University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Manhattan University students is 181.3% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($34,078 vs. $12,114).

Manhattan University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Manhattan University 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 Manhattan University.

• Manhattan University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Manhattan University (1270) is 10 points higher than at JMU (1260).
• Incoming Manhattan University 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: Manhattan University 1180/1358; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Manhattan University 25/29; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Manhattan University - Open admission; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Manhattan University Aug 31, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Manhattan University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Manhattan University has a higher acceptance rate (78.9%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8% at Manhattan University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Manhattan University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Manhattan University 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 Manhattan University's (72%).
• Graduates from Manhattan University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than JMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $60,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $5,101 lower median loan debt than Manhattan University graduates ($20,899 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Manhattan University graduates ($216 vs. $268).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Manhattan University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 82%)

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.