Long Island University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Long Island University in Brookville, 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 Long Island University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 16,689 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Long Island University is located in Brookville, NY (Large Suburban setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Long Island University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Long Island University 15:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Long Island University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Long Island 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 Long Island University ($18,856 vs. $24,867).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 26.8% lower than at Long Island University ($13,056 vs. $17,846).
• Long Island University is 197.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $28,182 more per year; $42,432.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.3% higher at Long Island University than at James Madison University (about $10,828 more per year; $42,432.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Long Island University than at James Madison University (97% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Long Island University students is 152.9% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($30,635 vs. $12,114).

Long Island University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Long Island 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 Long Island University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 30 points higher than at Long Island University (1230).
• Incoming JMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Long Island University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Long Island University 1110/1350; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Long Island University 21/30; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Long Island 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: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Long Island University (3.36).
• Long Island University has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8% at Long Island University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Long Island University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Long Island 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 Long Island University's (42%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Long Island University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $54,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $4,601 lower median loan debt than Long Island University graduates ($20,899 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Long Island University graduates ($216 vs. $263).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Long Island University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 53%)

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.