Wagner College vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Wagner College in Staten Island, NY 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 Wagner College based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 2,001 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wagner College is located in Staten Island, NY (Large City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Wagner College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wagner College 11:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Wagner College vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wagner College 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 Wagner College ($18,856 vs. $28,033).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 20.8% lower than at Wagner College ($13,056 vs. $16,485).
• Wagner College is 273.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $38,950 more per year; $53,200.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.3% higher at Wagner College than at James Madison University (about $21,596 more per year; $53,200.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wagner College than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wagner College students is 212.8% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($37,897 vs. $12,114).

Wagner College vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wagner College 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 Wagner College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 20 points higher than at Wagner College (1240).
• Incoming JMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Wagner College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wagner College 1190/1290; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wagner College 23/28; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wagner College - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wagner College Feb 15, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Wagner College (3.5).
• Wagner College has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at Wagner College vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Wagner College vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wagner College 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 Wagner College's (67%).
• Graduates from Wagner College earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than JMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,100 vs. $60,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $5,480 lower median loan debt than Wagner College graduates ($20,899 vs. $26,379).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wagner College graduates ($216 vs. $272).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wagner College students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 80%)

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.