Jefferson vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas Jefferson University 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 Jefferson based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 8,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Jefferson University is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas Jefferson University 12:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Jefferson vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jefferson 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 Jefferson ($18,856 vs. $29,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 17.5% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($13,056 vs. $15,834).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 233.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $33,255 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.3% higher at Jefferson than at James Madison University (about $15,901 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 189% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($35,007 vs. $12,114).

Jefferson vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Jefferson 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 Jefferson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 10 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming Jefferson students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at JMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 25/30; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jefferson - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Jefferson vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Jefferson vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jefferson 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).

• Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $62,600 more per year than JMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $60,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $8,399 lower median loan debt than JMU graduates ($12,500 vs. $20,899).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $87 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JMU graduates ($129 vs. $216).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JMU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 83%)

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.