University of Scranton vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Scranton in Scranton, 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 University of Scranton based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 4,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Scranton vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Scranton 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 University of Scranton ($18,856 vs. $34,234).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 24.9% lower than at University of Scranton ($13,056 vs. $17,380).
• University of Scranton is 278.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $39,733 more per year; $53,983.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.8% higher at University of Scranton than at James Madison University (about $22,379 more per year; $53,983.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Scranton than at James Madison University (96% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Scranton students is 193.9% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($35,606 vs. $12,114).

University of Scranton vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Scranton 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 University of Scranton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 20 points higher than at University of Scranton (1240).
• Incoming University of Scranton 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: University of Scranton 1160/1318; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Scranton 25/30; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Scranton - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Scranton Mar 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at University of Scranton (3.56).
• University of Scranton has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at University of Scranton vs. 18.2% at JMU.

University of Scranton vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Scranton 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 Scranton's (77%).
• Graduates from University of Scranton earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than JMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $60,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $6,101 lower median loan debt than University of Scranton graduates ($20,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Scranton graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Scranton students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 81%)

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.