College comparison

James Madison University vs Mississippi State University

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA	Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS
Acceptance rateJames Madison University is more selective	72%	78%
SAT (25–75)	1170–1340	1100–1350
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	20,888	18,397
Avg net price	$23,322	$17,595
Median earnings (10 yr)James Madison University reports higher median earnings	$69,954	$51,513
Graduation rate	80%	67%
Median debt	$20,093	$22,142
Economic mobility	0.7%	1.8%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public

Quick answers

Is James Madison University or Mississippi State University harder to get into?

James Madison University is more selective: James Madison University's acceptance rate is approximately 72% and Mississippi State University's is approximately 78% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for James Madison University vs Mississippi State University?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1170–1340 at James Madison University and 1100–1350 at Mississippi State University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.