Transylvania University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Transylvania University in Lexington, KY 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 Transylvania University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 1,006 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Transylvania University is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Transylvania University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Transylvania University 10:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Transylvania University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Transylvania 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 Transylvania University ($18,856 vs. $25,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 11.2% lower than at Transylvania University ($13,056 vs. $14,697).
• Transylvania University is 228.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $32,620 more per year; $46,870.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.3% higher at Transylvania University than at James Madison University (about $15,266 more per year; $46,870.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Transylvania University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Transylvania University students is 196.4% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($35,903 vs. $12,114).

Transylvania University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 10 points higher than at Transylvania University (1250).
• Incoming Transylvania University 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: Transylvania University 1120/1380; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Transylvania University 24/30; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Transylvania University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Transylvania University Aug 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Transylvania University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Transylvania University has a higher acceptance rate (86.5%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.3% at Transylvania University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Transylvania University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Transylvania 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 Transylvania University's (70%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than Transylvania University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $48,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $6,101 lower median loan debt than Transylvania University graduates ($20,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Transylvania University graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Transylvania University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 75%)

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.