James Madison University (JMU) vs Eastern Michigan University
When it comes to choosing the right university, it's essential to compare institutions to find the best fit. James Madison University (JMU) and Eastern Michigan University (EMU) offer distinct experiences for prospective students. JMU boasts a higher acceptance rate (73%) compared to EMU's 70%, indicating a slightly more competitive admissions process at JMU. Both universities offer a diverse range of popular majors, with JMU excelling in fields like nursing, business, and education, while EMU shines in programs such as engineering, technology, and health professions. JMU's student body is predominantly female (58%), while EMU has a more balanced gender distribution (51% female, 49% male). In terms of graduation rates, JMU holds a slight edge with a 79% four-year graduation rate compared to EMU's 76%. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve deeper into these aspects and more, helping you
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![]() Eastern Michigan University |
![]() James Madison University |
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Overview |
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Location | Ypsilanti, Michigan | Harrisonburg, Virginia |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 69.0% | 91.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 84.6% | 86.3% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$35
Graduate:
$45
|
Undergraduate:
$70
Graduate:
$60
|
SAT range | 930 - 1180 | 1140 - 1310 |
ACT range | 18 - 25 | 24 - 29 |
Students submitting SAT score | 55.0% | 26.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 8.0% | 5.0% |
Total number of applicants | 17,506 | 21,176 |
Total number of admissions given out | 14,811 | 18,265 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 2,312 | 4,767 |
Yield rate | 15.6% | 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 |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $31,022 |
In state:
$29,293
Out of state:
$46,219
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Average net price | $16,311 | $18,528 |
Tuition | $13,950 |
In state:
$7,460
Out of state:
$23,800
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,450
Meal plan:
$5,724
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Room/dormitory:
$5,564
Meal plan:
$5,986
|
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
95.0%
Average amount $9,182 |
31.0%
Average amount $9,594 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
48.0%
Average amount $5,579 |
33.0%
Average amount $5,199 |
Students taking out private loans |
3.0%
Average amount $12,079 |
8.0%
Average amount $18,776 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
12,730
Men 38.9% Women 61.1% |
20,070
Men 42.3% Women 57.7% |
Graduate students |
2,610
Men 31.9% Women 68.1% |
2,096
Men 29.4% Women 70.6% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
|
Out-of-state students | 14.2% | N/A |
International students | 2.7% | 1.4% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 3,290 | 6,513 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Michigan Ohio Illinois Indiana Florida | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 16:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 48.2% | 81.8% |
Dropout rate | 48.4% | 17.4% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Science, Technology and Society (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Systems Science and Theory (Bachelor's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
International Business (Bachelor's Degrees)
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