Iona University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Iona University in New Rochelle, NY 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 Iona University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 3,958 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Iona University is located in New Rochelle, NY (Large Suburban setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Iona University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Iona University 16:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Iona University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Iona 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 Iona University ($18,856 vs. $29,978).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 30.6% lower than at Iona University ($13,056 vs. $18,820).
• Iona University is 231.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $33,010 more per year; $47,260.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.5% higher at Iona University than at James Madison University (about $15,656 more per year; $47,260.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Iona University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Iona University students is 154.1% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($30,780 vs. $12,114).

Iona University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 50 points higher than at Iona University (1210).
• Incoming Iona University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at JMU (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iona University 1110/1300; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iona University 24/29; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Iona University - 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: Iona University Feb 15, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Iona University (3.4).
• Iona University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Iona University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Iona University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Iona 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 Iona University's (57%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Iona University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $58,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $5,148 lower median loan debt than Iona University graduates ($20,899 vs. $26,047).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Iona University graduates ($216 vs. $269).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Iona University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 73%)

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.