Saint Joseph's University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA 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 Saint Joseph's University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 7,159 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia 11:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Saint Joseph's University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Saint Joseph's 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 Saint Joseph's University ($18,856 vs. $31,205).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 19.6% lower than at Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia ($13,056 vs. $16,240).
• Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia is 273.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $39,010 more per year; $53,260.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.5% higher at Saint Joseph's University than at James Madison University (about $21,656 more per year; $53,260.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia students is 205.1% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($36,964 vs. $12,114).

Saint Joseph's University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Saint Joseph's 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 Saint Joseph's University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia (1260) is the same as at JMU (1260).
• Incoming Saint Joseph's 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: Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia 1170/1350; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia 28/31; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Saint Joseph's University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Saint Joseph's University Feb 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saint Joseph's University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Saint Joseph's University has a higher acceptance rate (88.8%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.1% at Saint Joseph's University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Saint Joseph's University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Saint Joseph's 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 Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia's (76%).
• Graduates from Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than JMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,000 vs. $60,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $2,109 lower median loan debt than Saint Joseph's University graduates ($20,899 vs. $23,008).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saint Joseph's University graduates ($216 vs. $237).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saint Joseph's University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 78%)

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.