Academic Comparison between W&L and JMU

Washington and Lee University and James Madison University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. W&L is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Lexington, 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.

  • W&L is a private (not-for-profit) and JMU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • W&L has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,045) than JMU ($31,312).
  • It is harder to admit to W&L than JMU.
  • W&L has a higher submitted SAT score (1,480) than JMU (1,250).
  • W&L has higher submitted ACT score (34) than JMU (27).
  • JMU has more students with 22,740 students while W&L has 2,241 students.
  • W&L has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while JMU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • JMU has more full-time faculties with 1,048 faculties while W&L has 268 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Washington and Lee Universityvs.James Madison University
Lexington, VirginiaLocationHarrisonburg, Virginia
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Baccalaureate College - Arts & SciencesCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
$68,0452025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$13,966
Out-Of-State$31,312
65%% Receiving Financial Aid42%
$58,158Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,140
13.97 %Acceptance Rates71.52 %
41.15 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.16 %
1,480SAT Score1,250
34ACT Score27
94 %Graduation Rate80 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
97 %Retention Rate92 %
2,241Student Population22,740
268Number of Faculties1,048
7 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
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