Academic Comparison between JMU and Northeastern

James Madison University and Northeastern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. JMU is a four-year, public school located in Harrisonburg, VA and Northeastern is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Boston, MA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • JMU is a public and Northeastern is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northeastern has more expensive tuition & fees ($66,162) than JMU ($31,312).
  • It is harder to admit to Northeastern than JMU.
  • Northeastern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,250) than JMU (1,250).
  • Northeastern has higher submitted ACT score (27) than JMU (27).
  • Northeastern has more students with 32,553 students while JMU has 22,740 students.
  • Northeastern has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while JMU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Northeastern has more full-time faculties with 1,766 faculties while JMU has 1,048 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

James Madison Universityvs.Northeastern University
Harrisonburg, VirginiaLocationBoston, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$13,966
Out-Of-State$31,312
2025 Tuition & Fees$66,162
42%% Receiving Financial Aid60%
$10,140Average Amount of Financial Aid$35,882
71.52 %Acceptance Rates5.22 %
18.16 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)53.75 %
1,250SAT Score1,490
27ACT Score34
80 %Graduation Rate91 %
-Transfer-out Rate4 %
92 %Retention Rate97 %
22,740Student Population32,553
1,048Number of Faculties1,766
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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