Drew University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Drew University in Madison, NJ 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 Drew University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 2,232 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drew University is located in Madison, NJ (Large Suburban setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Drew University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drew University 11:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Drew University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drew University 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 James Madison University than Drew University ($18,856 vs. $28,425).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 26% lower than at Drew University ($13,056 vs. $17,640).
• Drew University is 230.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $32,850 more per year; $47,100.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49% higher at Drew University than at James Madison University (about $15,496 more per year; $47,100.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drew University than at James Madison University (97% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drew University students is 203.8% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($36,807 vs. $12,114).

Drew University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drew University 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 Drew University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 40 points higher than at Drew University (1220).
• Incoming Drew University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at JMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drew University 1103/1338; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drew University 24/30; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drew University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drew University Feb 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Drew University (3.1).
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Drew University (67.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Drew University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Drew University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drew University 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 Drew University's (68%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Drew University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $55,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $6,101 lower median loan debt than Drew University graduates ($20,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drew University graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drew University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 70%)

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.