Nebraska vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Nebraska Lincoln in Lincoln, NE with James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Nebraska Lincoln is larger than JMU based on total student enrollment (24,393 students vs. 22,740 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Nebraska Lincoln is located in Lincoln, NE (Large City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• University of Nebraska Lincoln is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Nebraska Lincoln 17:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Nebraska vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Nebraska 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 University of Nebraska Lincoln than JMU ($18,322 vs. $18,856).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 7.5% lower than at University of Nebraska Lincoln ($13,056 vs. $14,120).
• James Madison University is 36.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nebraska (about $3,816 more per year; $14,250.00 vs. $10,434.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.6% higher at JMU than at University of Nebraska Lincoln (about $3,020 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $28,584.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Nebraska Lincoln than at James Madison University (94% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by James Madison University students is 14.9% larger than aid received by University of Nebraska Lincoln students ($12,114 vs. $10,541).

Nebraska vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Nebraska 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 Nebraska.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 50 points higher than at Nebraska (1210).
• Incoming JMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Nebraska).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Nebraska Lincoln 1098/1330; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Nebraska Lincoln 22/28; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Nebraska - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Nebraska May 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Nebraska students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Nebraska has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.8% at Nebraska vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Nebraska vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Nebraska 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 University of Nebraska Lincoln's (67%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than Nebraska graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $801 lower median loan debt than Nebraska graduates ($20,899 vs. $21,700).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nebraska graduates ($216 vs. $224).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nebraska 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.