ONU vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Ohio Northern University in Ada, OH 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 ONU based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 3,140 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ohio Northern University is located in Ada, OH (Distant Town setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Ohio Northern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ohio Northern University 13:1; James Madison University 17:1.

ONU vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ONU 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 ONU ($18,856 vs. $25,941).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 10.6% lower than at Ohio Northern University ($13,056 vs. $14,604).
• Ohio Northern University is 179.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $25,550 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.9% higher at ONU than at James Madison University (about $8,196 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio Northern University than at James Madison University (97% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio Northern University students is 128.6% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($27,696 vs. $12,114).

ONU vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ONU 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 ONU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio Northern University (1290) is 30 points higher than at JMU (1260).
• Incoming ONU 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: Ohio Northern University 1175/1400; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio Northern University 24/29; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ONU - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ONU Aug 15, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ONU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at JMU (3.57).
• ONU has a higher acceptance rate (74.4%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at ONU vs. 18.2% at JMU.

ONU vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ONU 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 Ohio Northern University's (65%).
• Graduates from Ohio Northern University earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than JMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,200 vs. $60,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $6,101 lower median loan debt than ONU graduates ($20,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ONU graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ONU 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.