Stephen F Austin State University (SFASU) vs James Madison University (JMU)

Envision yourself as a student, embarking on a journey of higher education. As you navigate the vast landscape of universities, two prominent institutions emerge: Stephen F Austin State University (SFA) and James Madison University (JMU). While both offer exceptional academic experiences, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. SFA, nestled in the heart of Texas, boasts a welcoming atmosphere and a strong focus on undergraduate education. JMU, situated in the vibrant Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, prides itself on its rigorous academics and diverse student body. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes. Discover which institution aligns with your aspirations and empowers you to thrive in your pursuit of knowledge.
James Madison University logo

James Madison University

Stephen F Austin State University logo

Stephen F Austin State University

Overview

Location Harrisonburg, Virginia Nacogdoches, Texas
Campus setting City: Small Town: Remote
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 91.0% 76.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 86.3% 83.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $70

Graduate: $60
Undergraduate: $45

Graduate: $50
SAT range 1140 - 1310 980 - 1160
ACT range 24 - 29 18 - 24
Students submitting SAT score 26.0% 73.0%
Students submitting ACT score 5.0% 45.0%
Total number of applicants 21,176 7,811
Total number of admissions given out 18,265 6,493
Admitted students who chose to enroll 4,767 1,713
Yield rate 26.1% 26.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Not required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $29,293

Out of state: $46,219
In state: $25,118

Out of state: $36,134
Average net price $18,528 $16,819
Tuition
In state: $7,460

Out of state: $23,800
In state: $7,842

Out of state: $18,858
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $5,564

Meal plan: $5,986
$9,642
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

31.0%
Average amount $9,594
91.0%
Average amount $9,184
Students receiving federal student loan 33.0%
Average amount $5,199
52.0%
Average amount $5,549
Students taking out private loans 8.0%
Average amount $18,776
6.0%
Average amount $11,905

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 20,070
Men 42.3% Women 57.7%
10,353
Men 36.7% Women 63.3%
Graduate students 2,096
Men 29.4% Women 70.6%
1,647
Men 28.8% Women 71.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students N/A 2.0%
International students 1.4% 1.0%
Campus local/setting City: Small Town: Remote
Dormitory capacity 6,513 4,441
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Texas Arkansas Louisiana New Mexico Arizona

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Education
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Education
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 17:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 81.8% 52.9%
Dropout rate 17.4% 14.7%
Transferred out N/A 30.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
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
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,738
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $67,629
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,992
  • Year 2: $63,768
  • Year 3: $66,763
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,708
  • Year 2: $57,943
  • Year 3: $65,940
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $41,319
  • Year 2: $52,420
  • Year 3: $58,969
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,504
  • Year 2: $54,760
  • Year 3: $56,866
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,903
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $56,397
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,033
  • Year 2: $50,231
  • Year 3: $54,522
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $50,856
  • Year 3: $52,654
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,921
  • Year 2: $50,105
  • Year 3: $50,506
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,503
  • Year 2: $35,060
  • Year 3: $50,470

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