Mississippi State vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Mississippi State University in Mississippi State, MS with James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mississippi State University is larger than JMU based on total student enrollment (23,150 students vs. 22,740 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mississippi State University is located in Mississippi State, MS (Rural Fringe setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Mississippi State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mississippi State University 16:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Mississippi State vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mississippi State 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 Mississippi State University than JMU ($18,478 vs. $18,856).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mississippi State University are 1.2% lower than at James Madison University ($12,902 vs. $13,056).
• James Madison University is 39.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mississippi State (about $4,048 more per year; $14,250.00 vs. $10,202.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.4% higher at JMU than at Mississippi State University (about $3,967 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $27,637.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mississippi State University than at James Madison University (96% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mississippi State University students is 14.3% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($13,852 vs. $12,114).

Mississippi State vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mississippi State 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 Mississippi State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 30 points higher than at Mississippi State (1230).
• Incoming JMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Mississippi State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mississippi State University 1100/1350; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mississippi State University 21/29; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mississippi State - 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: Mississippi State Aug 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mississippi State students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.58) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Mississippi State has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.8% at Mississippi State vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Mississippi State vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mississippi State 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 Mississippi State University's (60%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $12,800 more per year than Mississippi State graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $2,351 lower median loan debt than Mississippi State graduates ($20,899 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mississippi State graduates ($216 vs. $240).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mississippi State students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 63%)

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.