Monmouth University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ 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 Monmouth University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 4,767 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Monmouth University is located in West Long Branch, NJ (Large Suburban setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Monmouth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Monmouth University 12:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Monmouth University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Monmouth 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 Monmouth University ($18,856 vs. $34,072).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 26.2% lower than at Monmouth University ($13,056 vs. $17,698).
• Monmouth University is 226.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $32,302 more per year; $46,552.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.3% higher at Monmouth University than at James Madison University (about $14,948 more per year; $46,552.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Monmouth University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Monmouth University students is 141.3% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($29,233 vs. $12,114).

Monmouth University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 30 points higher than at Monmouth University (1230).
• Incoming Monmouth University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at JMU (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Monmouth University 1140/1310; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Monmouth University 24/29; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Monmouth University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Monmouth University Mar 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Monmouth University students have the same average high school GPA (3.57) as students at JMU (3.57).
• Monmouth University has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10% at Monmouth University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Monmouth University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Monmouth 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 Monmouth University's (66%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Monmouth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $56,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $5,802 lower median loan debt than Monmouth University graduates ($20,899 vs. $26,701).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Monmouth University graduates ($216 vs. $276).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Monmouth University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 70%)

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.