Catawba College vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Catawba College in Salisbury, NC with James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

James Madison University is larger than Catawba College based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 1,376 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Catawba College is located in Salisbury, NC (Distant Town setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Catawba College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Catawba College 13:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Catawba College vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Catawba College or JMU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Catawba College than JMU ($18,447 vs. $18,856).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 3.8% lower than at Catawba College ($13,056 vs. $13,565).
• Catawba College is 140.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $20,050 more per year; $34,300.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.5% higher at Catawba College than at James Madison University (about $2,696 more per year; $34,300.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Catawba College than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Catawba College students is 154.3% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($30,808 vs. $12,114).

Catawba College vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Catawba College or JMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between JMU and Catawba College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 90 points higher than at Catawba College (1170).
• Incoming JMU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at Catawba College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 1030/1300; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 17/25; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Catawba College - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); JMU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Catawba College Aug 15, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Catawba College students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Catawba College has a higher acceptance rate (75.2%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Catawba College vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Catawba College vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Catawba College and JMU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• James Madison University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Catawba College's (54%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $18,300 more per year than Catawba College graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $4,101 lower median loan debt than Catawba College graduates ($20,899 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Catawba College graduates ($216 vs. $258).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Catawba College students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 60%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.