Furman University vs James Madison University (JMU)

Furman University and James Madison University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Furman, a private liberal arts college in Greenville, South Carolina, boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 44%. JMU, a public research university in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is more accessible, with an acceptance rate of 73%. While Furman's student body is predominantly white (73%) and female (58%), JMU's student population is more diverse, with a larger proportion of male students (52%) and a more balanced racial makeup (62% white, 13% Black, 10% Hispanic). Both universities excel in academics, with Furman ranking higher in national liberal arts college rankings and JMU excelling in certain graduate programs. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions' unique strengths and determine which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Furman University	James Madison University
Overview
Location	Greenville, South Carolina	Harrisonburg, Virginia
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	91.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	71.4%	86.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $55	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1240 - 1422	1140 - 1310
ACT range	29 - 33	24 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	26.0%	26.0%
Students submitting ACT score	29.0%	5.0%
Total number of applicants	7,174	21,176
Total number of admissions given out	5,119	18,265
Admitted students who chose to enroll	656	4,767
Yield rate	12.8%	26.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$69,880	In state: $29,293 Out of state: $46,219
Average net price	$33,999	$18,528
Tuition	$52,992	In state: $7,460 Out of state: $23,800
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,496 Meal plan: $6,202	Room/dormitory: $5,564 Meal plan: $5,986
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	96.0% Average amount $33,191	31.0% Average amount $9,594
Students receiving federal student loan	28.0% Average amount $5,170	33.0% Average amount $5,199
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $20,783	8.0% Average amount $18,776

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,307 Men 40.1% Women 59.9%	20,070 Men 42.3% Women 57.7%
Graduate students	156 Men 20.5% Women 79.5%	2,096 Men 29.4% Women 70.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	67.8%	N/A
International students	3.3%	1.4%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	2,406	6,513
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	South Carolina Georgia North Carolina Florida Texas	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Social Sciences Visual & Performing Arts Health Professions	Health Professions Business Education Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	81.9%	81.8%
Dropout rate	2.4%	17.4%
Transferred out	15.7%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,571 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $56,414 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,227 Year 2: $40,140 Year 3: $52,939 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,108 Year 2: $36,668 Year 3: $50,384 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $61,615 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $37,568 Year 3: N/A English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: N/A Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $14,357 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Religion/Religious Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: N/A Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,821 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: N/A	Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,893 Year 2: $116,083 Year 3: $116,887 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $103,590 Year 2: $91,744 Year 3: $105,768 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,457 Year 2: $72,659 Year 3: $85,951 Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,020 Year 2: $72,290 Year 3: $82,877 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,544 Year 2: $67,380 Year 3: $80,406 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,052 Year 2: $66,377 Year 3: $77,982 Systems Science and Theory (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,389 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $75,407 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,331 Year 2: $49,270 Year 3: $69,797 Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,114 Year 2: $57,943 Year 3: $69,218 International Business (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,708 Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $68,304

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences between Furman University and James Madison University?

Furman University is a small, private liberal arts university known for its strong focus on undergraduate education and personalized learning environment. James Madison University (JMU) is a larger, public university offering a broader range of programs, including graduate studies, and a more diverse student body. Furman emphasizes a residential college experience, while JMU offers a blend of residential and commuter options.
How do Furman and JMU compare in terms of size and location?

Furman University is located in Greenville, South Carolina, a mid-sized city, and has a student population of around 2,700 undergraduates. James Madison University is situated in Harrisonburg, Virginia, a smaller city, and has a significantly larger student body of approximately 20,000 undergraduates and graduate students. Furman offers a more intimate campus setting, while JMU provides a larger, more bustling university environment.
What academic programs are Furman and JMU particularly known for?

Furman University is highly regarded for its strong liberal arts programs, particularly in areas like political science, economics, and pre-med. They also have a unique undergraduate research focus. James Madison University is known for its programs in business, education, health sciences, and communication studies. JMU also has a strong emphasis on experiential learning and undergraduate research opportunities.
How do the costs of attending Furman and JMU differ?

As a private institution, Furman University generally has a higher tuition cost compared to James Madison University, which is a public university. However, financial aid packages can vary significantly, so it's essential to compare the net cost (tuition minus financial aid) at both institutions based on your individual circumstances. Out-of-state tuition at JMU will be higher than in-state tuition.
What is the campus culture like at Furman versus JMU?

Furman University fosters a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on student involvement and a traditional college experience. Greek life is present but not dominant. James Madison University is known for its vibrant and spirited campus culture, with a strong emphasis on school pride and a wide range of extracurricular activities. JMU has a larger Greek life presence and a more diverse range of student organizations.
What are the athletic programs like at Furman and JMU?

Furman University competes in NCAA Division I athletics as part of the Southern Conference. Their athletic programs are competitive, particularly in sports like soccer and golf. James Madison University also competes in NCAA Division I athletics, but in the Sun Belt Conference. JMU's football program has achieved national recognition, and they offer a broader range of athletic opportunities.
How do Furman and JMU approach career services and post-graduation opportunities?

Both Furman and JMU offer comprehensive career services to assist students with internships, job placement, and graduate school preparation. Furman's small size allows for more personalized career counseling. JMU's larger alumni network and career fairs provide access to a wider range of opportunities, particularly in fields related to their strong academic programs.
What are the admission requirements and acceptance rates for Furman and JMU?

Both Furman and JMU have selective admission processes. Furman typically has a lower acceptance rate due to its smaller size and more selective admissions criteria. JMU's acceptance rate is generally higher, but it varies depending on the specific program. Both universities consider factors such as GPA, standardized test scores (though policies may be test-optional), essays, and extracurricular activities.
What kind of student typically thrives at Furman versus JMU?

Furman University is a good fit for students who prefer a small, academically rigorous environment with close relationships with faculty. Students who thrive at Furman are often highly motivated, intellectually curious, and seek a personalized learning experience. James Madison University is well-suited for students who desire a larger, more diverse university experience with a wide range of academic and extracurricular options. Students who thrive at JMU are often outgoing, engaged, and enjoy a spirited campus environment.
Do Furman and JMU offer study abroad programs?

Yes, both Furman University and James Madison University offer a variety of study abroad programs. Furman emphasizes faculty-led programs and immersive experiences. JMU has a wider range of program locations and partnerships with universities around the world, catering to diverse academic interests.

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