Stephen F Austin State University (SFASU) vs James Madison University (JMU)
Envision yourself as a student, embarking on a journey of higher education. As you navigate the vast landscape of universities, two prominent institutions emerge: Stephen F Austin State University (SFA) and James Madison University (JMU). While both offer exceptional academic experiences, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. SFA, nestled in the heart of Texas, boasts a welcoming atmosphere and a strong focus on undergraduate education. JMU, situated in the vibrant Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, prides itself on its rigorous academics and diverse student body. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes. Discover which institution aligns with your aspirations and empowers you to thrive in your pursuit of knowledge.
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![]() James Madison University |
![]() Stephen F Austin State University |
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Overview |
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Location | Harrisonburg, Virginia | Nacogdoches, Texas |
Campus setting | City: Small | Town: Remote |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 91.0% | 76.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 86.3% | 83.1% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$70
Graduate:
$60
|
Undergraduate:
$45
Graduate:
$50
|
SAT range | 1140 - 1310 | 980 - 1160 |
ACT range | 24 - 29 | 18 - 24 |
Students submitting SAT score | 26.0% | 73.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 5.0% | 45.0% |
Total number of applicants | 21,176 | 7,811 |
Total number of admissions given out | 18,265 | 6,493 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 4,767 | 1,713 |
Yield rate | 26.1% | 26.4% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Not required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$29,293
Out of state:
$46,219
|
In state:
$25,118
Out of state:
$36,134
|
Average net price | $18,528 | $16,819 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,460
Out of state:
$23,800
|
In state:
$7,842
Out of state:
$18,858
|
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,564
Meal plan:
$5,986
|
$9,642 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
31.0%
Average amount $9,594 |
91.0%
Average amount $9,184 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
33.0%
Average amount $5,199 |
52.0%
Average amount $5,549 |
Students taking out private loans |
8.0%
Average amount $18,776 |
6.0%
Average amount $11,905 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
20,070
Men 42.3% Women 57.7% |
10,353
Men 36.7% Women 63.3% |
Graduate students |
2,096
Men 29.4% Women 70.6% |
1,647
Men 28.8% Women 71.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
|
Out-of-state students | N/A | 2.0% |
International students | 1.4% | 1.0% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | Town: Remote |
Dormitory capacity | 6,513 | 4,441 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | Texas Arkansas Louisiana New Mexico Arizona |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 17:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 81.8% | 52.9% |
Dropout rate | 17.4% | 14.7% |
Transferred out | N/A | 30.8% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Systems Science and Theory (Bachelor's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
International Business (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
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