Choosing the right university is a crucial decision for every student. In this comparison, we will examine the University at Buffalo and James Madison University, discussing their costs, admissions, academics, and other factors, to help you make an informed decision.
University at Buffalo Overview
The University at Buffalo (UB) is a public research university in Buffalo, New York. Founded in 1846, it is the largest and most comprehensive campus in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. UB offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in various fields, including arts, sciences, engineering, and health sciences.
University at Buffalo Costs & Tuition
The estimated tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year for in-state undergraduate students at UB are $10,524, while out-of-state undergraduate students face tuition and fees of $28,194. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help eligible students with these costs.
University at Buffalo Admissions
Admissions to UB are classified as “moderately difficult,” with an acceptance rate of approximately 61%. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students range from 1160 to 1340, while the middle 50% ACT scores range from 24 to 30. UB also considers factors such as high school GPA, class rank, and extracurricular activities in its evaluation process.
University at Buffalo Degrees Offered
UB offers over 140 undergraduate degree programs, more than 220 graduate programs, and numerous professional degree options. Popular majors include business, engineering, health professions, and social sciences.
University at Buffalo Academics
UB is well-known for its strong academic programs, with a student-faculty ratio of 13:1. The university emphasizes research and experiential learning, allowing students to participate in research projects, internships, and study abroad opportunities.
University at Buffalo Diversity
UB has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Approximately 20% of the undergraduate student population identifies as an underrepresented minority.
University at Buffalo Students
UB has around 22,000 undergraduate students and 10,000 graduate students. The campus features a wide range of student clubs, organizations, and activities, catering to various interests and promoting a strong sense of community.
University at Buffalo Campus
The university’s main campus is located in the suburban area of Buffalo, New York. On-campus housing is available for students, with various residence hall options. UB also offers numerous dining facilities, recreational amenities, and support services for students.
University at Buffalo Alumni
Notable alumni from UB include Wolf Blitzer, journalist and CNN anchor; Khalil Mack, NFL player; and Leslie Fiedler, literary critic.
University at Buffalo Rankings
UB consistently ranks well among national and international universities. For example, UB is ranked #88 in the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s National Universities rankings.
University at Buffalo Outcomes
The four-year graduation rate at UB is 61%, and the six-year graduation rate is 76%. The average starting salary for UB graduates is $48,000, with alumni working in various industries such as technology, healthcare, and business.
James Madison University Overview
James Madison University (JMU) is a public university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Established in 1908, JMU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, and education.
James Madison University Costs & Tuition
JMU’s 2021-2022 estimated tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students are $12,330, while out-of-state undergraduate students face tuition and fees of $29,230. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students to help with these expenses.
James Madison University Admissions
Admissions at JMU are considered “somewhat selective,” with an acceptance rate of approximately 71%. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students range from 1120 to 1290, while the middle 50% ACT scores range from 23 to 29. In addition to standardized test scores, JMU also considers high school GPA, class rank, and extracurricular involvement in its evaluation.
James Madison University Degrees Offered
JMU offers more than 80 undergraduate degree programs, over 50 graduate programs, and several professional degree options. Popular majors include business, health professions, education, and visual and performing arts.
James Madison University Academics
JMU is known for its strong academic programs, with a student-faculty ratio of 16:1. The university prioritizes undergraduate research and hands-on learning experiences, providing students with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and service-learning projects.
James Madison University Diversity
JMU has a diverse student body, representing all 50 states and over 60 countries. Approximately 15% of the undergraduate population identifies as an underrepresented minority.
James Madison University Students
JMU has approximately 20,000 undergraduate students and 2,000 graduate students. The campus is home to more than 350 student clubs and organizations, fostering a sense of community and engagement among students.
James Madison University Campus
JMU’s campus is located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, offering students a picturesque setting for their college experience. On-campus housing is available, with various residence hall options and dining facilities. Additionally, the university provides recreational amenities and support services for students.
James Madison University Alumni
Notable alumni from JMU include Charles Haley, NFL player; Lindsay Czarniak, ESPN anchor; and Ben DiNucci, NFL player.
James Madison University Rankings
JMU ranks well among national universities, with a ranking of #3 in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Regional Universities South category.
James Madison University Outcomes
The four-year graduation rate at JMU is 67%, and the six-year graduation rate is 83%. Graduates from JMU enjoy an average starting salary of $50,000, working in a variety of industries such as business, education, and healthcare.
University at Buffalo vs James Madison University Cost Comparison
The cost of attendance at the University at Buffalo and James Madison University differs slightly for both in-state and out-of-state students. In-state undergraduate students at UB can expect to pay around $10,524 in tuition and fees, while those at JMU will face costs of approximately $12,330. Out-of-state undergraduate students at UB will face costs of $28,194, while those at JMU will pay around $29,230. However, it’s crucial to consider factors such as available financial aid and scholarships when evaluating the overall cost of each university.
University at Buffalo vs James Madison University Admissions Difficulty
Both universities have competitive admissions processes, with UB’s acceptance rate at 61% and JMU’s at 71%. UB’s admitted students generally have slightly higher standardized test scores, with middle 50% SAT scores ranging from 1160 to 1340, compared to JMU’s range of 1120 to 1290. The middle 50% ACT scores for UB are between 24 and 30, while JMU’s are between 23 and 29. However, both universities also consider other factors such as high school GPA, class rank, and extracurricular involvement in their admissions evaluations.
University at Buffalo vs James Madison University Academic Difficulty
The University at Buffalo and James Madison University both offer strong academic programs and prioritize undergraduate research and experiential learning. UB has a slightly lower student-faculty ratio of 13:1, compared to JMU’s 16:1, which may indicate more individualized attention and support for students at UB. Regardless, both institutions provide ample opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning experiences, such as internships, study abroad programs, and research projects.
University at Buffalo vs James Madison University Outcome Comparison
Graduation rates and post-graduation outcomes are essential factors to consider when selecting a university. JMU has a higher four-year graduation rate of 67%, compared to UB’s 61%. Similarly, JMU has a higher six-year graduation rate of 83%, compared to UB’s 76%. Graduates from JMU also enjoy a slightly higher average starting salary of $50,000, compared to UB graduates’ average starting salary of $48,000.
