Wofford College vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC 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 Wofford College based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 1,817 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wofford College is located in Spartanburg, SC (Small City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Wofford College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wofford College 12:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Wofford College vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wofford 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 Wofford College ($18,856 vs. $30,481).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 19.5% lower than at Wofford College ($13,056 vs. $16,220).
• Wofford College is 293% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $41,755 more per year; $56,005.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.2% higher at Wofford College than at James Madison University (about $24,401 more per year; $56,005.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wofford College than at James Madison University (99% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wofford College students is 247.3% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($42,067 vs. $12,114).

Wofford College vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wofford College (1270) is 10 points higher than at JMU (1260).
• Incoming Wofford 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: Wofford College 1198/1343; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wofford College 27/31; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wofford College - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wofford College Jan 15, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wofford College students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at JMU (3.57).
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Wofford College (51.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.4% at Wofford College vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Wofford College vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wofford 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 Wofford College's (79%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Wofford College graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $58,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $4,848 lower median loan debt than Wofford College graduates ($20,899 vs. $25,747).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wofford College graduates ($216 vs. $266).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wofford College students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 79%)

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.