In this article, we will be comparing two well-known universities in Virginia: James Madison University (JMU) and George Mason University (Mason). We will provide an overview of each institution and delve into important factors such as costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus amenities, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. By the end of this comparison, you should have a better understanding of the key differences between JMU and Mason to help you make an informed decision about which school is the best fit for you.
JMU Overview
Established in 1908, James Madison University is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. JMU offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various fields. The university is known for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences, and has a reputation for fostering a vibrant, diverse, and supportive campus community.
JMU Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at JMU for the 2021-2022 academic year are $12,330 for in-state students and $29,230 for out-of-state students. Room and board costs are estimated to be around $10,112. Financial aid is available for qualified students, with over 65% of undergraduate students receiving some form of aid.
JMU Admissions
Admission to JMU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of roughly 71%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, an essay, and letters of recommendation. The middle 50% of admitted students had an SAT score range of 1120-1300 and an ACT range of 23-28.
JMU Degrees Offered
JMU offers over 120 degree programs, including 80 undergraduate majors and 78 minors, along with a range of graduate and professional degrees. Popular undergraduate majors include business, health sciences, communications, education, and engineering. Additionally, JMU provides various study abroad and research opportunities for students to enhance their academic experience.
JMU Academics
JMU is known for its strong emphasis on teaching and experiential learning. The university has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, ensuring personalized attention from professors. JMU also provides ample opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, research, and community service projects.
JMU Diversity
The student body at JMU is predominantly white, making up approximately 75% of the undergraduate population. However, the university is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion and offers various resources, programs, and scholarships to promote multiculturalism on campus.
JMU Students
JMU has a total enrollment of around 21,000 students, with the majority being undergraduates. The university has a strong sense of community and offers over 350 student organizations, including academic, cultural, and special interest clubs. Additionally, Greek life is a prominent aspect of the JMU social scene, with around 17% of the student population participating in fraternities and sororities.
JMU Campus
The JMU campus spans 721 acres in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, with modern facilities and numerous green spaces. On-campus housing is available for students, with a variety of residence hall options. The university also provides extensive recreational facilities, including a fitness center, sports fields, and an aquatics center.
JMU Alumni
Notable alumni from JMU include actress Lindsey Czarniak, journalist Carol Costello, and former NFL player Charles Haley. JMU graduates enjoy strong connections to their alma mater and have access to a vast alumni network and career services.
JMU Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, JMU is ranked #3 in Regional Universities South, #2 in Best Colleges for Veterans, and #8 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
JMU Outcomes
The 4-year graduation rate at JMU is 67%, and the 6-year rate is 84%. The median starting salary for JMU graduates is around $55,000.
Mason Overview
Founded in 1972, George Mason University is a public research university located in Fairfax, Virginia, with additional campuses in Arlington, Prince William, and Loudoun. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. Mason is particularly well known for its programs in public policy, engineering, and information technology.
Mason Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at Mason for the 2021-2022 academic year are $13,014 for in-state students and $37,410 for out-of-state students. Room and board costs are estimated to be around $11,976. Financial aid is available, with approximately 75% of undergraduate students receiving some form of aid.
Mason Admissions
Admission to Mason is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of about 87%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, an essay, and letters of recommendation. The middle 50% of admitted students had an SAT score range of 1100-1300 and an ACT range of 24-30.
Mason Degrees Offered
Mason offers over 200 degree programs, including more than 100 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate and professional degrees. Popular undergraduate majors include business, engineering, computer and information sciences, social sciences, and public administration.
Mason Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, Mason prioritizes teaching and research excellence. The university provides numerous opportunities for students to engage in research and hands-on learning experiences through internships and co-op programs.
Mason Diversity
Mason boasts a diverse student body, with approximately 50% white, 19% Hispanic, 14% Asian, and 8% Black students. The university actively encourages diversity and inclusion through various resources, programs, and scholarships.
Mason Students
Mason has a total enrollment of over 38,000 students, with the majority being undergraduates. The university offers over 500 student organizations, including academic, cultural, and special interest clubs. Greek life is also available, with around 10% of the student population participating in fraternities and sororities.
Mason Campus
The Mason campus spans 677 acres in Fairfax, with additional campuses in other locations. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art research labs and a performing arts center. On-campus housing is available for students, with a variety of residence hall options.
Mason Alumni
Notable alumni from Mason include author Angie Thomas, actor Jason Kravits, and former NFL player Kirk Cousins. Mason graduates benefit from a large alumni network and career services.
Mason Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, Mason is ranked #143 in National Universities, #73 in Best Colleges for Veterans, and #173 in Best Value Schools.
Mason Outcomes
The 4-year graduation rate at Mason is 49%, and the 6-year rate is 75%. The median starting salary for Mason graduates is around $60,000.
JMU vs Mason Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending JMU and Mason, there are a few key differences to consider. For in-state students, JMU’s tuition and fees are slightly lower at $12,330, compared to Mason’s $13,014. However, for out-of-state students, the difference in cost is more significant, with JMU’s tuition and fees at $29,230, while Mason’s are $37,410. Room and board costs are also slightly higher at Mason, with an estimate of $11,976 compared to JMU’s $10,112.
JMU vs Mason Admissions Difficulty
The admissions process for both JMU and Mason is moderately competitive. JMU has an acceptance rate of around 71%, while Mason’s acceptance rate is somewhat higher at 87%. Both schools have fairly similar SAT and ACT score ranges for admitted students, with JMU’s middle 50% range being 1120-1300 for the SAT and 23-28 for the ACT, and Mason’s range being 1100-1300 for the SAT and 24-30 for the ACT.
JMU vs Mason Academic Difficulty
Both JMU and Mason prioritize strong academics and provide ample opportunities for research and experiential learning. They have similar student-to-faculty ratios, with JMU’s being 16:1 and Mason’s being 17:1. This ensures personalized attention from professors and a supportive academic environment for students at both schools. However, the specific academic difficulty of each university may vary depending on the chosen major and individual student experiences.
JMU vs Mason Outcome Comparison
When considering the outcomes for graduates from JMU and Mason, there are a few differences worth noting. JMU has a higher 4-year graduation rate at 67%, compared to Mason’s 49%. The 6-year graduation rate is also higher at JMU, with 84% compared to Mason’s 75%. The median starting salary for JMU graduates is around $55,000, while Mason graduates’ median starting salary is slightly higher at $60,000. Ultimately, the outcomes for graduates from both universities depend on the individual’s chosen major, career path, and personal experiences.
