USF Main Campus vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Florida in Tampa, FL with James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Florida is larger than JMU based on total student enrollment (49,622 students vs. 22,740 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Florida is located in Tampa, FL (Large City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• University of South Florida 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 South Florida 22:1; James Madison University 17:1.

USF Main Campus vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USF Main Campus 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 South Florida than JMU ($11,579 vs. $18,856).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 9.6% lower than at University of South Florida ($13,056 vs. $14,440).
• James Madison University is 122.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than USF Main Campus (about $7,840 more per year; $14,250.00 vs. $6,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.4% higher at JMU than at University of South Florida (about $14,280 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $17,324.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Florida than at James Madison University (83% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by James Madison University students is 13.7% larger than aid received by University of South Florida students ($12,114 vs. $10,652).

USF Main Campus vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USF Main Campus 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 USF Main Campus.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 30 points higher than at USF Main Campus (1230).
• Incoming USF Main Campus 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: University of South Florida 1130/1320; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Florida 24/29; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USF Main Campus - Required to be considered for admission; JMU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: USF Main Campus May 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman USF Main Campus students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at JMU (3.57).
• JMU has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than USF Main Campus (43.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at USF Main Campus vs. 18.2% at JMU.

USF Main Campus vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USF Main Campus 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 South Florida's (52%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $13,800 more per year than USF Main Campus graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $46,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Florida graduates have a $1,752 lower median loan debt than JMU graduates ($19,147 vs. $20,899).
• Among borrowers, USF Main Campus graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JMU graduates ($197 vs. $216).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USF Main Campus students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 57%)

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.