Academic Comparison between SVU and JMU

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

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.

  • SVU is a private (not-for-profit) and JMU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • JMU has more expensive tuition & fees ($31,312) than SVU ($21,030).
  • It is harder to admit to JMU than SVU.
  • JMU has more students with 22,740 students while SVU has 936 students.
  • SVU has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while JMU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • JMU has more full-time faculties with 1,048 faculties while SVU has 53 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Southern Virginia Universityvs.James Madison University
Buena Vista, VirginiaLocationHarrisonburg, Virginia
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Bachelor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Baccalaureate College - Arts & SciencesCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
$21,0302025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$13,966
Out-Of-State$31,312
99%% Receiving Financial Aid42%
$10,839Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,140
96.42 %Acceptance Rates71.52 %
21.44 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.16 %
-SAT Score1,250
-ACT Score27
33 %Graduation Rate80 %
24 %Transfer-out Rate-
74 %Retention Rate92 %
936Student Population22,740
53Number of Faculties1,048
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services