Ohio University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Ohio University Main Campus in Athens, OH with James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ohio University Main Campus is larger than JMU based on total student enrollment (26,323 students vs. 22,740 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ohio University Main Campus is located in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ohio University Main Campus 18:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Ohio University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ohio 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 Ohio University ($18,856 vs. $21,907).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 7.8% lower than at Ohio University Main Campus ($13,056 vs. $14,162).
• James Madison University is 0.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio University (about $92 more per year; $14,250.00 vs. $14,158.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.2% higher at JMU than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $6,766 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio University Main Campus than at James Madison University (94% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by James Madison University students is 28.6% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($12,114 vs. $9,422).

Ohio University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 70 points higher than at Ohio University (1190).
• Incoming JMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Ohio University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio University Main Campus 22/28; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ohio University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio University Feb 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ohio University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.2% at Ohio University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Ohio University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ohio 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 Ohio University Main Campus's (65%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $15,800 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $399 lower median loan debt than JMU graduates ($20,500 vs. $20,899).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JMU graduates ($211 vs. $216).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 51%)

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.