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James Madison University and University of Mary Washington are both public institutions — James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA and University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Harrisonburg, VA · Public
Acceptance rate: 71.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 20,888
Tuition: $31,604/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 79.7%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Communication
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Harrisonburg, VA with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
Fredericksburg, VA · Public
Acceptance rate: 79.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 3,566
Tuition: $27,560/year
Student-faculty ratio: 13.0:1
Graduation rate: 66.4%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Social sciences, Computer science
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Fredericksburg, VA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Social sciences.
| Factor | James Madison University | University of Mary Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 71.5% | 79.8% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1170–1340 |
| 1170–1370 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 24–29 | 27–31 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 20,888 | 3,566 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $31,604/year | $27,560/year |
| Average net price after aid | $23,322 | $20,667 |
| Graduation rate | 79.7% | 66.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $69,954 | $60,613 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 17.0:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Harrisonburg, VA | Fredericksburg, VA |
| Largest program areas | Health professions, Business and marketing, Communication | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Computer science |
James Madison University is more selective (71.5% vs 79.8% acceptance rate). University of Mary Washington has a lower average net price after grant aid ($20,667 vs $23,322). James Madison University reports the higher graduation rate (79.7% vs 66.4%). James Madison University is the larger undergraduate campus (20,888 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between James Madison University and University of Mary Washington
James Madison University has an acceptance rate of 71.5%; University of Mary Washington is around 79.8%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
James Madison University tuition is $31,604/year. University of Mary Washington is $27,560/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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