Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
James Madison University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University are both public institutions — James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, 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.
Blacksburg, VA · Public
Acceptance rate: 54.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 30,923
Tuition: $37,764/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 86.2%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Engineering, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Blacksburg, VA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Engineering.
| Factor | James Madison University | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 71.5% | 54.8% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | 1170–1340 | 1280–1450 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 24–29 | 28–32 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 20,888 | 30,923 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $31,604/year | $37,764/year |
| Average net price after aid | $23,322 | $24,953 |
| Graduation rate | 79.7% | 86.2% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $69,954 | $81,698 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 17.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Harrisonburg, VA | Blacksburg, VA |
| Largest program areas | Health professions, Business and marketing, Communication | Business and marketing, Engineering, Social sciences |
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is more selective (54.8% vs 71.5% acceptance rate). James Madison University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($23,322 vs $24,953). Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University reports the higher graduation rate (86.2% vs 79.7%). Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the larger undergraduate campus (30,923 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.
James Madison University vs Virginia Military Institute
71.5% vs 71.3% acceptance rate
James Madison University vs University of Mary Washington
71.5% vs 79.8% acceptance rate
James Madison University vs George Mason University
71.5% vs 87.5% acceptance rate
James Madison University vs Virginia Wesleyan University
71.5% vs 72.9% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between James Madison University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
James Madison University has an acceptance rate of 71.5%; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is around 54.8%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
James Madison University tuition is $31,604/year. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is $37,764/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.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
Open Comparison Tool