Nazareth University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Nazareth University in Rochester, 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 Nazareth University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 2,401 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Nazareth University is located in Rochester, NY (Large Suburban setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Nazareth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Nazareth University 8:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Nazareth University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nazareth 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 Nazareth University ($18,856 vs. $30,785).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 19.7% lower than at Nazareth University ($13,056 vs. $16,250).
• Nazareth University is 197.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $28,200 more per year; $42,450.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.3% higher at Nazareth University than at James Madison University (about $10,846 more per year; $42,450.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nazareth University than at James Madison University (97% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nazareth University students is 125.3% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($27,292 vs. $12,114).

Nazareth University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 60 points higher than at Nazareth University (1200).
• Incoming Nazareth 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: Nazareth University 1070/1320; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Nazareth University 23/32; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nazareth University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Nazareth University Feb 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Nazareth University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Nazareth University has a higher acceptance rate (74.7%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Nazareth University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Nazareth University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nazareth 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 Nazareth University's (74%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than Nazareth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $44,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $5,602 lower median loan debt than Nazareth University graduates ($20,899 vs. $26,501).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nazareth University graduates ($216 vs. $274).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nazareth University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 73%)

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.