WSU vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

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

Wayne State University is larger than JMU based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 22,740 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wayne State University is located in Detroit, MI (Large City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Wayne 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: Wayne State University 14:1; James Madison University 17:1.

WSU vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU 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 Wayne State University than JMU ($14,416 vs. $18,856).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 8.4% lower than at Wayne State University ($13,056 vs. $14,252).
• Wayne State University is 6.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $940 more per year; $15,190.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.4% higher at WSU than at James Madison University (about $433 more per year; $32,037.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wayne State University than at James Madison University (98% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wayne State University students is 6.9% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($12,953 vs. $12,114).

WSU vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSU 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 WSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 90 points higher than at WSU (1170).
• Incoming WSU 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: Wayne State University 1060/1270; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 23/29; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - 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: WSU Aug 1, 2027; JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JMU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at WSU (3.42).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WSU vs. 18.2% at JMU.

WSU vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU 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 Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than WSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $1,359 lower median loan debt than WSU graduates ($20,899 vs. $22,258).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSU graduates ($216 vs. $230).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 38%)

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.