Choosing a university can be a difficult task indeed. You would not want to be admitted to a university that does not provide what you desire or need. This article has been written to clear your confusion on whether you should go to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) or James Madison University (JMU).
To clear your confusion, we will be comparing the several factors and opportunities offered by both universities such as school fees, SAT/ACT requirements, GPA requirements, etc.
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution, founded in 1838, and has a total student enrollment of 28,865 students in the fall of 2021. It is located in an urban environment (in Richmond) and has a total size of about 198 acres. VCU is nationally recognized to be one of the top public universities for both fine arts and research.
There are about 40 fraternities and sororities at VCU, and also hundreds of clubs and organizations that the students can join. Virginia Commonwealth University’s Division I sports team, the VCU Rams, is well-known among the students. Moreover, about 7 percent of the university’s students are involved in Greek life.
VCU students can also benefit from the university’s Outdoor Adventure Program for off-campus recreation. This program coordinates backpacking, kayaking, whitewater rafting trips, and other recreational activities. Virginia Commonwealth University has various academic departments for graduate students such as the School of the Arts, School of Medicine, School of Education, and School of Social Work. VCU also has a campus in Qatar that emphasizes arts programs.
James Madison University (JMU)
James Madison University is a public institution, founded in 1908, that has a total student enrollment of 21,496 students in the fall of 2021. James Madison University has a total size of about 721 acres and is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, U.S. – not too far from both Washington, D.C. and Richmond Mountain. JMU was ranked by US News and World Report as the #1 most innovative university in the south. 80% of the school’s students do undergraduate research, a practicum, or an internship. JMU offers 139 degree programs from which are found 76 undergraduate degree programs.
James Madison University has over 350 clubs and organizations made available to students. This provides students with impactful experiences that will assist them to grow in the community and build engagement outside of the classroom. The JMU Men’s and Women’s Club Soccer Teams are two of the most decorated club organizations in the school’s history. There are over 24 fraternity and sorority chapters at James Madison University.
Differences between VCU and JMU
1) Student enrollment
Virginia Commonwealth University is larger than JMU based on total undergraduate enrollment. In fall 2021, VCU recorded 28,865 students, while JMU recorded 21,496 students.
2) Tuition
For in-state tuition, Virginia Commonwealth University is 66.8% more expensive to attend than Jams Madison University. VCU has an in-state tuition of $12,094 while that of JMU is $7,250.
For Out-of-state tuition, Virginia Commonwealth University is 38.9% more expensive to attend than James Madison University. VCU has out-of-state tuition of $32,742 while that of JMU is $23,564.
The average net price to attend Virginia Commonwealth University is more expensive than that of James Madison University. VCU has an average net price of $20,566 while that of JMU is $18,592.
3) Living costs (housing and accommodation)
The living costs at James Madison University are 1.4% lower than that at Virginia Commonwealth University. JMU has total living costs of $11,348 while that of VCU is $11,504.
4) Financial grant aid
Financial grant aid is more available at Virginia Commonwealth University than at James Madison University. VCU offers 82% financial great aid while JMU offers 60%.
The average total financial grant aid received by students at Virginia Commonwealth University is 36.5% larger than that received by students at this University. VCU offers an average total financial great aid of $12,811 while that offered by JMU is $9,383.
Average SAT Score
You need to be very strong academically to get admission to James Madison University than to Virginia Commonwealth University. JMU has an average SAT score requirement of 1134 points while that of VCU is 1097 points.
Average ACT Score
James Madison University (25 points) is a point higher than
Virginia Commonwealth University (24 points) in average ACT score requirement.
Acceptance rate
The acceptance rate at Jake’s Madison University is 80.5% while that at Virginia Commonwealth University is 90.6%.
Graduation rate, salary, and student loan debt
This University has a graduation rate of 81% while that at Virginia Commonwealth University is 53%.
Graduates from VCU earn on average $47,500 per year, while graduates from James Madison University earn on average $60,300 per year.
Virginia Commonwealth University students graduate with a $2,351 higher median federal student loan debt than James Madison University students. VCU graduates are offered a student loan debt of $23,250 while JMU graduates are offered $20,899.
VCU graduates are paying $24 more per month on federal student loans than JMU graduates. ($240 vs. $216)
More JMU graduates are actively repaying their federal student loan debt than VCU graduates, about three years after graduation. 83% of JMU graduates actively repay their debt while 56% of VCU graduates do the same.
Conclusion
Though more students are enrolled in Virginia Commonwealth University than at James Madison University, other factors make James Madison University more favorable. Your choice would depend on your level of income, your passion, your vision, your academic ability, etc. You will need to ponder on the comparisons stated in this article before making your choice of University.
FAQs
1) Between Virginia Commonwealth University and James Madison University, which school is ranked higher in Best Big Colleges in America?
Virginia Commonwealth University is ranked #83 in Best Big Colleges in America while James Madison University is ranked #39.
2) Which school is better in Nursing and Public health, James Madison University or Virginia Commonwealth University?
This University is widely recognized for being good in fine arts, but it is not better than James Madison University in nursing and public health (According to statistics).