James Madison vs Mercer
Side by side: Mass and confession times, faith grades, academics, cost after aid and outcomes.
James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg, VACatholic life on campusBCatholic life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.Mercer UniversityMacon, GACatholic life on campus
At a glance
- James Madison lists Mass 8 times a week; Mercer lists Mass every weekday.
- James Madison has the higher graduation rate: 80% against 70% at Mercer.
- For families earning up to $30,000, James Madison has the lower price after aid: $11,444 a year, against $19,817 at Mercer.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are higher at James Madison: $69,954, against $58,354 at Mercer.
Catholic life
Faith or Catholic life grade
BCatholic life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Compass Score
BCompass Score: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Mass times
8 times a week
Every weekday
Confession times
6 times a week
Campus ministry
3 listed
2 listed
The college
Control
Public
Private nonprofit
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Macon, GA
Setting
City
City
Students
22,758
9,124
Academics
Academic Excellence grade
BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Admission rate
72%
69%
Average SAT
1256
1271
ACT middle 50%
24–29
25–31
Graduation rate
80%
70%
First-year retention
92%
82%
Cost and outcomes
Average net price a year
$23,322
$23,847
Net price, up to $30,000 income
$11,444
$19,817
Net price, $30,001–$48,000 income
$12,977
$21,484
Net price, $48,001–$75,000 income
$16,475
$22,533
Net price, $75,001–$110,000 income
$22,343
$25,184
Net price, over $110,000 income
$30,147
$26,770
Median debt
$20,093
$24,199
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$69,954
$58,354
The grades and the Compass Score are Catholic School Compass ratings from documented sources; each college’s page lists its sources. Cost, admission, graduation, earnings and debt are federal data. This page does not rank the two colleges.