JMU vs. Seattle Central vs. NYU vs. Gonzaga

Comparable Facts

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

James Madison University is larger than Seattle Central based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 5,396 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting); Seattle Central College is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Central College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: James Madison University 17:1; Seattle Central College 17:1.

JMU vs. Seattle Central Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JMU or Seattle Central? 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 Seattle Central College than JMU ($11,187 vs. $18,856).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 31.4% lower than at Seattle Central College ($13,056 vs. $19,041).
• James Madison University is 174.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle Central (about $9,066 more per year; $14,250.00 vs. $5,184.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 450.1% higher at JMU than at Seattle Central College (about $25,859 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $5,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle Central College than at James Madison University (55% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by James Madison University students is 78% larger than aid received by Seattle Central College students ($12,114 vs. $6,805).

JMU vs. Seattle Central Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JMU or Seattle Central? 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 Seattle Central and JMU.

• Seattle Central College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JMU - Test optional; Seattle Central - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027; Seattle Central Aug 31, 2027.

JMU vs. Seattle Central Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JMU and Seattle Central? 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).

• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $24,500 more per year than Seattle Central graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $35,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle Central College graduates have a $11,009 lower median loan debt than JMU graduates ($9,890 vs. $20,899).
• Among borrowers, Seattle Central graduates have an estimated $114 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JMU graduates ($102 vs. $216).

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.