James Madison University vs University of Richmond: which has better ROI?
James Madison University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $93,288 in 4.3 years versus 4.5 years at University of Richmond, on median earnings of $69,954 vs $76,178 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | James Madison University | University of Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,322 | $31,309 |
| Total net cost | $93,288 | $125,236 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $69,954 | $76,178 |
| Median debt | $20,093 | $21,000 |
| Payback | 4.3 yrs | 4.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $338,592 | $431,124 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, James Madison University or University of Richmond?
James Madison University, at $23,322 a year after aid versus $31,309 — a gap of $7,987 a year, or $31,948 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do James Madison University or University of Richmond graduates earn more?
University of Richmond graduates report a median $76,178 ten years after entry, $6,224 more than the $69,954 at James Madison University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, James Madison University or University of Richmond?
James Madison University: its completers carry a median $20,093 in federal loans versus $21,000 at University of Richmond, a difference of $907. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
85% of students finish at University of Richmond, against 80% at James Madison University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.