Shenandoah U vs James Madison University (JMU)
Shenandoah University and James Madison University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Virginia, offer distinct educational experiences. Shenandoah, a private university, boasts a smaller student body and a more intimate learning environment, with an acceptance rate of 75%. JMU, a public university, has a larger student population and a wider range of academic programs, with an acceptance rate of 68%. While Shenandoah excels in healthcare-related fields, JMU is renowned for its strong programs in business, education, and the arts. Both universities offer a vibrant campus life, with diverse student organizations and NCAA Division I athletic programs. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about the unique strengths and offerings of each university and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() James Madison University |
![]() Shenandoah University |
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Overview |
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Location | Harrisonburg, Virginia | Winchester, Virginia |
Campus setting | City: Small | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 91.0% | 76.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Methodism | |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 86.3% | 74.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$70
Graduate:
$60
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Undergraduate:
$30
Graduate:
$30
|
SAT range | 1140 - 1310 | N/A |
ACT range | 24 - 29 | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | 26.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 5.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 21,176 | 2,616 |
Total number of admissions given out | 18,265 | 1,945 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 4,767 | 509 |
Yield rate | 26.1% | 26.2% |
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 |
In state:
$29,293
Out of state:
$46,219
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$49,610 |
Average net price | $18,528 | $29,077 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,460
Out of state:
$23,800
|
$33,140 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,564
Meal plan:
$5,986
|
$11,020 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
31.0%
Average amount $9,594 |
100.0%
Average amount $19,733 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
33.0%
Average amount $5,199 |
94.0%
Average amount $5,736 |
Students taking out private loans |
8.0%
Average amount $18,776 |
15.0%
Average amount $19,715 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
20,070
Men 42.3% Women 57.7% |
2,416
Men 38.2% Women 61.8% |
Graduate students |
2,096
Men 29.4% Women 70.6% |
1,871
Men 22.3% Women 77.7% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 47.2% |
International students | 1.4% | 1.2% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 6,513 | 1,185 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | Virginia Maryland Pennsylvania West Virginia North Carolina |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 11:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 81.8% | 64.0% |
Dropout rate | 17.4% | 18.4% |
Transferred out | N/A | 17.5% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
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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Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
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