Moravian College vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Moravian University in Bethlehem, PA 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 Moravian College based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 2,745 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Moravian University is located in Bethlehem, PA (Small City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Moravian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Moravian University 10:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Moravian College vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Moravian College 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 Moravian College ($18,856 vs. $31,743).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 24.2% lower than at Moravian University ($13,056 vs. $17,222).
• Moravian University is 275.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $39,250 more per year; $53,500.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.3% higher at Moravian College than at James Madison University (about $21,896 more per year; $53,500.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Moravian University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Moravian University students is 182.8% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($34,261 vs. $12,114).

Moravian College vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Moravian College 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 Moravian College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 80 points higher than at Moravian College (1180).
• Incoming Moravian College 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: Moravian University 1070/1285; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Moravian University 24/29; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Moravian College - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Moravian College (3.55).
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Moravian College (54.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16% at Moravian College vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Moravian College vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Moravian College 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 Moravian University's (76%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than Moravian College graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $50,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $6,101 lower median loan debt than Moravian College graduates ($20,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Moravian College graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Moravian College students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 79%)

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.