Choosing the right university is an important decision, with numerous factors to consider. In this article, we will compare two popular schools in Virginia: Virginia Tech and James Madison University. We will provide an overview of each institution and delve into various aspects, including costs, admissions, academics, diversity, student life, and more, to help you make an informed decision.
Virginia Tech Overview
Virginia Tech is a public, land-grant research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. Established in 1872, the university is known for its strong programs in engineering, architecture, and business. With over 36,000 students enrolled, Virginia Tech offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across its nine colleges.
Virginia Tech Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Virginia Tech varies based on a student’s residency status. For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate in-state students can expect to pay approximately $13,691 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay around $32,835. These figures do not include housing, meal plans, or other expenses.
Virginia Tech Admissions
Admission to Virginia Tech is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 70%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and complete the Coalition Application. The university also requires three short answer responses and a personal statement.
Virginia Tech Degrees Offered
Virginia Tech offers over 110 undergraduate majors and more than 170 graduate programs. Some of the most popular majors at the university include engineering, business, social sciences, and biological and biomedical sciences.
Virginia Tech Academics
Students at Virginia Tech benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, which allows for personalized attention and support. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research and experiential learning, with many students participating in internships, co-op programs, and undergraduate research opportunities.
Virginia Tech Diversity
Virginia Tech has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and offers various resources and programs to support students from different backgrounds.
Virginia Tech Students
Life at Virginia Tech is vibrant, with over 900 student organizations and clubs catering to a wide range of interests. Students can also participate in intramural and club sports, as well as the university’s NCAA Division I athletics program.
Virginia Tech Campus
The campus of Virginia Tech is spread across 2,600 acres and features a mix of historic buildings and modern facilities. Students have access to state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreational facilities. The university is also home to a beautiful, 18-hole golf course and the Moss Arts Center, a premier performing arts venue.
Virginia Tech Alumni
Virginia Tech has a strong alumni network, with more than 250,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include former NASA astronaut Charles F. Bolden Jr., former Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell, and award-winning novelist Sharyn McCrumb.
Virginia Tech Rankings
Virginia Tech consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2022 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” rankings, Virginia Tech is ranked 74th among national universities and 29th among public institutions.
Virginia Tech Outcomes
Virginia Tech has a strong track record of positive outcomes for its graduates. According to the university’s data, 93% of undergraduate students are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for graduates is around $65,000.
James Madison University Overview
James Madison University, also known as JMU, is a public university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Founded in 1908, JMU has a reputation for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences. The university enrolls over 21,000 students and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
James Madison University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students at JMU can expect to pay $12,330 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay $29,230. These figures do not include housing, meal plans, or other expenses.
James Madison University Admissions
Admissions at James Madison University are competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 71%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and complete the Coalition Application. JMU also requires a personal statement and one letter of recommendation.
James Madison University Degrees Offered
James Madison University offers over 80 undergraduate degree programs and more than 50 graduate programs. Popular majors at JMU include business, health sciences, social sciences, and communication and media studies.
James Madison University Academics
With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, JMU provides a supportive learning environment for its students. The university emphasizes experiential learning, with many students participating in internships, study abroad programs, and research opportunities.
James Madison University Diversity
JMU fosters a diverse and inclusive campus environment, with students representing all 50 states and over 70 countries. The university offers various resources and programs to support students from different backgrounds and promote diversity and inclusion on campus.
James Madison University Students
Life at JMU is vibrant and engaging, with over 350 student organizations and clubs to choose from. Students can also participate in intramural and club sports, as well as JMU’s NCAA Division I athletics program.
James Madison University Campus
JMU’s campus spans over 720 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, the University Recreation Center, and several research centers and institutes.
James Madison University Alumni
Notable alumni of JMU include television personality Lindsay Czarniak, former Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator George Allen, and award-winning journalist Alison Parker.
James Madison University Rankings
In the 2022 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” rankings, James Madison University is ranked 2nd among regional universities in the South and 6th among the top public schools in the region.
James Madison University Outcomes
According to JMU’s data, 91% of undergraduate students are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for JMU graduates is around $62,000.
Virginia Tech vs James Madison University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Virginia Tech and James Madison University, in-state students will find that JMU is slightly more affordable, with tuition and fees totaling $12,330 compared to Virginia Tech’s $13,691. For out-of-state students, the difference is more significant, with JMU’s tuition and fees totaling $29,230 compared to Virginia Tech’s $32,835. However, it is essential to consider additional expenses such as housing, meal plans, and other fees when determining the total cost of attendance.
Virginia Tech vs James Madison University Admissions Difficulty
Both Virginia Tech and James Madison University have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of around 70% and 71% respectively. Both universities require similar application materials and have similar admissions requirements. While neither school is significantly more difficult to gain admission to, prospective students should ensure they meet all application requirements and present a strong academic profile to increase their chances of acceptance.
Virginia Tech vs James Madison University Academic Difficulty
Both Virginia Tech and JMU provide rigorous academic programs and are known for their strong emphasis on experiential learning, research, and internships. The student-faculty ratios at both schools are similar, with Virginia Tech having a 14:1 ratio and JMU having a 16:1 ratio. This suggests that students at both institutions will receive personalized attention and support from faculty. However, given Virginia Tech’s greater focus on research and its strong reputation in engineering and other STEM fields, it may be considered more academically challenging than JMU.
Virginia Tech vs James Madison University Outcome Comparison
When comparing the post-graduation outcomes of Virginia Tech and James Madison University graduates, both schools boast high employment and further education rates. Virginia Tech reports a 93% success rate, with an average starting salary of $65,000, while JMU reports a 91% success rate and an average starting salary of $62,000. While both schools provide strong outcomes for their graduates, Virginia Tech may have a slight advantage in terms of employment rates and starting salaries.
