UNCG vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Greensboro, NC 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 UNCG based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 18,012 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of North Carolina at Greensboro is located in Greensboro, NC (Large City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of North Carolina at Greensboro 18:1; James Madison University 17:1.

UNCG vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNCG 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 University of North Carolina at Greensboro than JMU ($11,404 vs. $18,856).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of North Carolina at Greensboro are 18.1% lower than at James Madison University ($10,688 vs. $13,056).
• James Madison University is 86% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNCG (about $6,589 more per year; $14,250.00 vs. $7,661.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.6% higher at JMU than at University of North Carolina at Greensboro (about $7,592 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $24,012.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of North Carolina at Greensboro than at James Madison University (87% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by James Madison University students is 22.8% larger than aid received by University of North Carolina at Greensboro students ($12,114 vs. $9,863).

UNCG vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNCG 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 UNCG.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 10 points higher than at UNCG (1250).
• Incoming JMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at UNCG).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Carolina at Greensboro 1150/1355; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of North Carolina at Greensboro 22/27; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNCG - 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: UNCG Mar 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UNCG students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at JMU (3.57).
• UNCG has a higher acceptance rate (88.5%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.2% at UNCG vs. 18.2% at JMU.

UNCG vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNCG 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 University of North Carolina at Greensboro's (53%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $21,200 more per year than UNCG graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $1,838 lower median loan debt than UNCG graduates ($20,899 vs. $22,737).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UNCG graduates ($216 vs. $235).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNCG students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 56%)

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.