University of North Carolina at Asheville vs James Madison University (JMU)
Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, the University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA) and James Madison University (JMU) stand out as two exceptional institutions of higher learning. While both universities offer a vibrant campus life and a wide range of academic programs, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. UNCA boasts a smaller student body, resulting in a more intimate learning environment, while JMU's larger size provides a diverse and bustling campus atmosphere. With varying acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes, the choice between these two esteemed universities hinges on individual preferences and academic aspirations. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into the specifics and discover which institution aligns best with your unique educational goals and aspirations.
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![]() James Madison University |
![]() University of North Carolina at Asheville |
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Overview |
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Location | Harrisonburg, Virginia | Asheville, North Carolina |
Campus setting | City: Small | 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 | 91.0% | 75.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 86.3% | 81.6% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$70
Graduate:
$60
|
Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$60
|
SAT range | 1140 - 1310 | 1130 - 1330 |
ACT range | 24 - 29 | 22 - 29 |
Students submitting SAT score | 26.0% | 17.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 5.0% | 33.0% |
Total number of applicants | 21,176 | 4,550 |
Total number of admissions given out | 18,265 | 3,714 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 4,767 | 605 |
Yield rate | 26.1% | 16.3% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | 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
|
In state:
$22,331
Out of state:
$39,679
|
Average net price | $18,528 | $13,838 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,460
Out of state:
$23,800
|
In state:
$4,122
Out of state:
$21,470
|
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,564
Meal plan:
$5,986
|
Room/dormitory:
$5,778
Meal plan:
$4,470
|
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 |
90.0%
Average amount $7,610 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
33.0%
Average amount $5,199 |
50.0%
Average amount $5,008 |
Students taking out private loans |
8.0%
Average amount $18,776 |
6.0%
Average amount $10,387 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
20,070
Men 42.3% Women 57.7% |
3,233
Men 42.5% Women 57.5% |
Graduate students |
2,096
Men 29.4% Women 70.6% |
N/A |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
|
Out-of-state students | N/A | 15.8% |
International students | 1.4% | 1.1% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 6,513 | 1,575 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | North Carolina Florida South Carolina Virginia Georgia |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 14:1 |
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% | 64.6% |
Dropout rate | 17.4% | 9.5% |
Transferred out | N/A | 25.1% |
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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Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Visual and Performing Arts, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Public Health (Bachelor's Degrees)
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
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