Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given JMU's 76% acceptance rate, most academically qualified students should expect admission. However, students seeking different geographic locations, lower costs, or specific program strengths may benefit from exploring alternatives with comparable outcomes.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with even higher acceptance rates, consider George Mason University with 88.8% acceptance and $76,343 median earnings, located 89 miles away. University of Mary Washington admits 86.3% of applicants while producing graduates earning $60,613, just 76 miles from JMU. These Virginia options provide additional admission security while maintaining strong regional recognition and career outcomes.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students wanting to remain in Virginia should consider Marymount University (99 miles away, $67,516 earnings) or Shenandoah University (63 miles away, $58,433 earnings) for private alternatives with similar program focus. University of Lynchburg offers comparable outcomes 74 miles south with slightly lower costs and similar admission accessibility.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Other institutions with comparable admission rates include Virginia Military Institute (81.7% acceptance, $77,369 earnings) 54 miles away for students interested in military-style education. Hollins University and Sweet Briar College offer similar selectivity with different program emphases, though with lower earning outcomes than JMU.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
