Regent University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA 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 Regent University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 10,657 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Regent University is located in Virginia Beach, VA (Large City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Regent University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Regent University 18:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Regent University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Regent 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 Regent University ($18,856 vs. $20,512).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Regent University are 38.6% lower than at James Madison University ($8,010 vs. $13,056).
• Regent University is 51.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $7,400 more per year; $21,650.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46% higher at JMU than at Regent University (about $9,954 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $21,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Regent University than at James Madison University (95% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Regent University students is 0.3% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($12,155 vs. $12,114).

Regent University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 140 points higher than at Regent University (1120).
• Incoming JMU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Regent University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Regent University 990/1250; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Regent University 19/26; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Regent University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Regent University Aug 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Regent University (3.34).
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Regent University (38.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.5% at Regent University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Regent University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Regent 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 Regent University's (33%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $14,600 more per year than Regent University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $3,913 lower median loan debt than Regent University graduates ($20,899 vs. $24,812).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Regent University graduates ($216 vs. $256).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Regent University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 42%)

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.