Rider University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Rider University in Lawrenceville, 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 Rider University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rider University 14:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Rider University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider 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 Rider University ($18,856 vs. $26,506).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 24.2% lower than at Rider University ($13,056 vs. $17,230).
• Rider University is 188.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $26,870 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.1% higher at Rider University than at James Madison University (about $9,516 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 141.8% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($29,294 vs. $12,114).

Rider University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 50 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at JMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Rider University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider 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 Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $4,851 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($20,899 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($216 vs. $266).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider 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.