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Virginia Military Institute and James Madison University are both public institutions — Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA and James Madison University in Harrisonburg, 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.
Lexington, VA · Public
Acceptance rate: 71.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,527
Tuition: $52,638/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 76.2%
Top programs: Social sciences, Engineering, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Lexington, VA with published program strength in Social sciences and Engineering.
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.
| Factor | Virginia Military Institute | James Madison University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 71.3% | 71.5% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1050–1270 |
| 1170–1340 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 24–31 | 24–29 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,527 | 20,888 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $52,638/year | $31,604/year |
| Average net price after aid | $17,113 | $23,322 |
| Graduation rate | 76.2% | 79.7% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $77,369 | $69,954 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Lexington, VA | Harrisonburg, VA |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Engineering, Psychology | Health professions, Business and marketing, Communication |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (71.3% vs 71.5%). Virginia Military Institute has a lower average net price after grant aid ($17,113 vs $23,322). James Madison University reports the higher graduation rate (79.7% vs 76.2%). 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 Virginia Military Institute and James Madison University
Virginia Military Institute has an acceptance rate of 71.3%; James Madison University is around 71.5%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Virginia Military Institute tuition is $52,638/year. James Madison University is $31,604/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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