Academic Comparison between VSU and JMU

Virginia State University and James Madison University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Virginia

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • JMU has more expensive tuition & fees ($31,312) than VSU ($22,650).
  • It is harder to admit to JMU than VSU.
  • JMU has a higher submitted SAT score (945) than VSU (945).
  • JMU has higher submitted ACT score (18) than VSU (18).
  • JMU has more students with 22,740 students while VSU has 5,605 students.
  • VSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while JMU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • JMU has more full-time faculties with 1,048 faculties while VSU has 313 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Virginia State Universityvs.James Madison University
Petersburg, VirginiaLocationHarrisonburg, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$10,043
Out-Of-State$22,650
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$13,966
Out-Of-State$31,312
91%% Receiving Financial Aid42%
$15,647Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,140
88.63 %Acceptance Rates71.52 %
14.27 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.16 %
945SAT Score1,250
18ACT Score27
39 %Graduation Rate80 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
69 %Retention Rate92 %
5,605Student Population22,740
313Number of Faculties1,048
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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