Washington College vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington College in Chestertown, MD 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 Washington College based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington College is located in Chestertown, MD (Distant Town setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Washington College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington College 8:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Washington College vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington 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 Washington College ($18,856 vs. $29,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 28.5% lower than at Washington College ($13,056 vs. $18,250).
• Washington College is 288.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $41,076 more per year; $55,326.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 75.1% higher at Washington College than at James Madison University (about $23,722 more per year; $55,326.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington College than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington College students is 259% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($43,485 vs. $12,114).

Washington College vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington College (1270) is 10 points higher than at JMU (1260).
• Incoming Washington College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at JMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 1140/1390; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 27/31; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington College - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington College Feb 15, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at JMU (3.57).
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Washington College (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Washington College vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Washington College vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington 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 Washington College's (75%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than Washington College graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $50,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $3,351 lower median loan debt than Washington College graduates ($20,899 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington College graduates ($216 vs. $250).
• More Washington College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JMU students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.