James Madison University vs William & Mary
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
William & Mary holds a 7-point ROI advantage over James Madison University, scoring 91/100 versus 84/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, William & Mary comes in at $19,096 per year (net price after aid) versus $23,322 at James Madison University - a difference of $4,226 annually, or roughly $16,904 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, William & Mary graduates earn a median of $73,490 compared to $69,954 at James Madison University. The payback period is 6.7 years at James Madison University versus 5.6 years at William & Mary.
Graduates leave William & Mary with a median $18,500 in debt versus $20,093 at James Madison University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.39 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | James Madison University | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $14,250 | $25,914 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $31,604 | $51,038 |
| Net Price (avg) | $23,322 | $19,096 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $93,288 | $76,384 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $46,100 | $47,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $69,954 | $73,490 |
| Graduation Rate | 79.7% | 89.4% |
| Payback Period | 6.7 yr | 5.6 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,093 | $18,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $213 | $196 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.39 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 87.1% | 86.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 88.1% | 88.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 71.5% | 34.1% |
| Enrollment | 20,888 | 7,055 |
| SAT Range | 1170-1340 | 1400-1530 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | James Madison Univer... | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $11,444 | $3,106 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,977 | $881 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $16,475 | $5,916 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $22,343 | $16,803 |
| $110,001+ | $30,147 | $34,370 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | James Madison Univer... | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $85,137 | $111,366 |
| Economics | $86,681 | $105,467 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $68,798 | $91,065 |
| Sociology | $48,774 | $87,655 |
| Mathematics | $75,295 | $87,170 |
| Chemistry | $74,631 | $78,270 |
| International Relations | $73,326 | $72,173 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $63,065 | $68,992 |
| History | $55,782 | $63,632 |
| Biology | $62,914 | $49,644 |
| Psychology | $56,212 | $59,226 |
| English Language and Literature | $57,487 | $57,616 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $54,093 | $29,752 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | James Madison Univer... | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 79 | 90 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 85 | 91 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 83 | 88 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 89 | 96 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 90 | 90 |
| Overall ROI Score | 84 | 91 |
The Verdict
William & Mary has a meaningfully higher ROI score (91 vs 84). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is somewhat stronger. That said, if James Madison University offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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James Madison University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
William & Mary
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.