GMU Leaps 34 Spots Ahead of JMU in 2026 Rankings, Even VCU Now Higher

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only JMU kids thought it meant Just Missed UVA. Everyone else knew the real
tops were UVA, VT and W&M. I find it interesting that VT and W&M are tied. It makes sense because both are solid but in totally different ways and have a totally different feel.

You are wrong. In the mid 90s everyone knew Tech was less competitive than JMU. Perhaps because of JMU's size of 12,000 to whatever Tech was back then. Clearly, when JMU doubled its size it lessened its selectivity. I'm happy for all the schools. GMU is never going to be like Tech, UVA or JMU. Its location and selectivity set it apart. We are lucky to have so many different options to choose from.

This was literally like 1993 to 1995. For the entire 100 years before and 30 years since, JMU hasn’t been a serious contender. It was a great marketing ploy and a few suckers bought in. But it isn’t and wasn’t even close to the same as VT in terms of name recognition or academic programs. Not even close.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only JMU kids thought it meant Just Missed UVA. Everyone else knew the real
tops were UVA, VT and W&M. I find it interesting that VT and W&M are tied. It makes sense because both are solid but in totally different ways and have a totally different feel.

You are wrong. In the mid 90s everyone knew Tech was less competitive than JMU. Perhaps because of JMU's size of 12,000 to whatever Tech was back then. Clearly, when JMU doubled its size it lessened its selectivity. I'm happy for all the schools. GMU is never going to be like Tech, UVA or JMU. Its location and selectivity set it apart. We are lucky to have so many different options to choose from.

This was literally like 1993 to 1995. For the entire 100 years before and 30 years since, JMU hasn’t been a serious contender. It was a great marketing ploy and a few suckers bought in. But it isn’t and wasn’t even close to the same as VT in terms of name recognition or academic programs. Not even close.

This just isn't true. At least not in state. JMU was ahead of VT in the in state pecking order well into the 2000s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only JMU kids thought it meant Just Missed UVA. Everyone else knew the real
tops were UVA, VT and W&M. I find it interesting that VT and W&M are tied. It makes sense because both are solid but in totally different ways and have a totally different feel.

You are wrong. In the mid 90s everyone knew Tech was less competitive than JMU. Perhaps because of JMU's size of 12,000 to whatever Tech was back then. Clearly, when JMU doubled its size it lessened its selectivity. I'm happy for all the schools. GMU is never going to be like Tech, UVA or JMU. Its location and selectivity set it apart. We are lucky to have so many different options to choose from.

This was literally like 1993 to 1995. For the entire 100 years before and 30 years since, JMU hasn’t been a serious contender. It was a great marketing ploy and a few suckers bought in. But it isn’t and wasn’t even close to the same as VT in terms of name recognition or academic programs. Not even close.

This just isn't true. At least not in state. JMU was ahead of VT in the in state pecking order well into the 2000s.

No. Not really. Just in houses where the parents had gone to JMU—my guess is that is your house. Not being mean. Just being honest. Aside from Nursing, it just doesn’t rate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only JMU kids thought it meant Just Missed UVA. Everyone else knew the real
tops were UVA, VT and W&M. I find it interesting that VT and W&M are tied. It makes sense because both are solid but in totally different ways and have a totally different feel.

You are wrong. In the mid 90s everyone knew Tech was less competitive than JMU. Perhaps because of JMU's size of 12,000 to whatever Tech was back then. Clearly, when JMU doubled its size it lessened its selectivity. I'm happy for all the schools. GMU is never going to be like Tech, UVA or JMU. Its location and selectivity set it apart. We are lucky to have so many different options to choose from.

I agree on location, JMU gives you that far-off college town vibe; however, in terms of selectivity, JMU is like 80% and GMU is like 85% so not sure about that.

It's actually a fair bit different:
JMU 66% in 24-25 https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/fastfacts.shtml
GMU 87% in 24-25 (pg 13 gotta do math https://oiep.gmu.edu/resources/common-data-set/)

Which is why people don't believe GMU is good b/c JMU is more selective. Both are solid schools.

Selectivity in this case means nothing. As stated, JMU is more popular only because it offers the stereotypical college experience, while GMU doesn't. And GMU is a lot larger than JMU.

GMU's purpose is to educate the masses, first gen, low income. And it does a great job of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only JMU kids thought it meant Just Missed UVA. Everyone else knew the real
tops were UVA, VT and W&M. I find it interesting that VT and W&M are tied. It makes sense because both are solid but in totally different ways and have a totally different feel.

You are wrong. In the mid 90s everyone knew Tech was less competitive than JMU. Perhaps because of JMU's size of 12,000 to whatever Tech was back then. Clearly, when JMU doubled its size it lessened its selectivity. I'm happy for all the schools. GMU is never going to be like Tech, UVA or JMU. Its location and selectivity set it apart. We are lucky to have so many different options to choose from.

This was literally like 1993 to 1995. For the entire 100 years before and 30 years since, JMU hasn’t been a serious contender. It was a great marketing ploy and a few suckers bought in. But it isn’t and wasn’t even close to the same as VT in terms of name recognition or academic programs. Not even close.

This just isn't true. At least not in state. JMU was ahead of VT in the in state pecking order well into the 2000s.

No. Not really. Just in houses where the parents had gone to JMU—my guess is that is your house. Not being mean. Just being honest. Aside from Nursing, it just doesn’t rate.

DP. Nope. Back then JMU was top 3. VT was up and coming. GMU a local safety. I know I was at VT for Engineering and my higher GPA HS friends were at JMU.

Which I thought was weird - JMU was/is locally known while VT was in the SEC playing #1 ranked schools like Miami.

I will say JMU people seem to be happy at JMU and after graduation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow. Not one VA public in the top 25

Good grief, UVA essentially is T-25.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only JMU kids thought it meant Just Missed UVA. Everyone else knew the real
tops were UVA, VT and W&M. I find it interesting that VT and W&M are tied. It makes sense because both are solid but in totally different ways and have a totally different feel.

You are wrong. In the mid 90s everyone knew Tech was less competitive than JMU. Perhaps because of JMU's size of 12,000 to whatever Tech was back then. Clearly, when JMU doubled its size it lessened its selectivity. I'm happy for all the schools. GMU is never going to be like Tech, UVA or JMU. Its location and selectivity set it apart. We are lucky to have so many different options to choose from.

This was literally like 1993 to 1995. For the entire 100 years before and 30 years since, JMU hasn’t been a serious contender. It was a great marketing ploy and a few suckers bought in. But it isn’t and wasn’t even close to the same as VT in terms of name recognition or academic programs. Not even close.

This just isn't true. At least not in state. JMU was ahead of VT in the in state pecking order well into the 2000s.

No. Not really. Just in houses where the parents had gone to JMU—my guess is that is your house. Not being mean. Just being honest. Aside from Nursing, it just doesn’t rate.

See, you're just wrong.

I shouldn't even be on this board, especially the college forum. But we'll leave that for another day.

I had four kids applying to VA colleges (we're in state) from the years 1999 to 2010. In all of that time period and the few years before and after JMU was considered the tougher admit. Three of my kids threw in Tech applications like they were nothing and all three were immediately accepted. They all considered JMU to be better and more "prestigious." And so did we. None went there either, though. They ended up at UVA and W&M.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only JMU kids thought it meant Just Missed UVA. Everyone else knew the real
tops were UVA, VT and W&M. I find it interesting that VT and W&M are tied. It makes sense because both are solid but in totally different ways and have a totally different feel.

You are wrong. In the mid 90s everyone knew Tech was less competitive than JMU. Perhaps because of JMU's size of 12,000 to whatever Tech was back then. Clearly, when JMU doubled its size it lessened its selectivity. I'm happy for all the schools. GMU is never going to be like Tech, UVA or JMU. Its location and selectivity set it apart. We are lucky to have so many different options to choose from.

This was literally like 1993 to 1995. For the entire 100 years before and 30 years since, JMU hasn’t been a serious contender. It was a great marketing ploy and a few suckers bought in. But it isn’t and wasn’t even close to the same as VT in terms of name recognition or academic programs. Not even close.

This just isn't true. At least not in state. JMU was ahead of VT in the in state pecking order well into the 2000s.

No. Not really. Just in houses where the parents had gone to JMU—my guess is that is your house. Not being mean. Just being honest. Aside from Nursing, it just doesn’t rate.

See, you're just wrong.

I shouldn't even be on this board, especially the college forum. But we'll leave that for another day.

I had four kids applying to VA colleges (we're in state) from the years 1999 to 2010. In all of that time period and the few years before and after JMU was considered the tougher admit. Three of my kids threw in Tech applications like they were nothing and all three were immediately accepted. They all considered JMU to be better and more "prestigious." And so did we. None went there either, though. They ended up at UVA and W&M.

W&M is same rating at VT

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only JMU kids thought it meant Just Missed UVA. Everyone else knew the real
tops were UVA, VT and W&M. I find it interesting that VT and W&M are tied. It makes sense because both are solid but in totally different ways and have a totally different feel.

You are wrong. In the mid 90s everyone knew Tech was less competitive than JMU. Perhaps because of JMU's size of 12,000 to whatever Tech was back then. Clearly, when JMU doubled its size it lessened its selectivity. I'm happy for all the schools. GMU is never going to be like Tech, UVA or JMU. Its location and selectivity set it apart. We are lucky to have so many different options to choose from.

This was literally like 1993 to 1995. For the entire 100 years before and 30 years since, JMU hasn’t been a serious contender. It was a great marketing ploy and a few suckers bought in. But it isn’t and wasn’t even close to the same as VT in terms of name recognition or academic programs. Not even close.

This just isn't true. At least not in state. JMU was ahead of VT in the in state pecking order well into the 2000s.

No. Not really. Just in houses where the parents had gone to JMU—my guess is that is your house. Not being mean. Just being honest. Aside from Nursing, it just doesn’t rate.

See, you're just wrong.

I shouldn't even be on this board, especially the college forum. But we'll leave that for another day.

I had four kids applying to VA colleges (we're in state) from the years 1999 to 2010. In all of that time period and the few years before and after JMU was considered the tougher admit. Three of my kids threw in Tech applications like they were nothing and all three were immediately accepted. They all considered JMU to be better and more "prestigious." And so did we. None went there either, though. They ended up at UVA and W&M.

NP. That’s interesting. It doesn’t track with my experience. As a 90’s grad of a top 3 private NWDC school with all the prestige-focus that implies, VA Tech was an acceptable application and even choice to attend. JMU was not even on the radar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:VCU has more diversity.

False. GMU is the most diverse

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. Not one VA public in the top 25

Really? Wow is your response to that. UVA is 26, which isn’t meaningfully different than top 25. And there are only 3 public schools in the top 25, and you are surprised that none of the Virginia schools are there?

+1. If you just look at publics, there are three VA schools in the top 25, including UVA at #4.

OF public schools.

I don’t know what this means.

It means that UVA is can be ranked in the top 25 public schools alongside UC-Merced.

False. UVA is ranked no 4 public in the U.S. see USNWR

[Anonymous]

VCU is growing in popularity. Acceptance rates will drop, as they currently have one of the largest Freshman classes, and are trying to find more room for first year students.

It's a really great, affordable (considering) school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only JMU kids thought it meant Just Missed UVA. Everyone else knew the real
tops were UVA, VT and W&M. I find it interesting that VT and W&M are tied. It makes sense because both are solid but in totally different ways and have a totally different feel.

You are wrong. In the mid 90s everyone knew Tech was less competitive than JMU. Perhaps because of JMU's size of 12,000 to whatever Tech was back then. Clearly, when JMU doubled its size it lessened its selectivity. I'm happy for all the schools. GMU is never going to be like Tech, UVA or JMU. Its location and selectivity set it apart. We are lucky to have so many different options to choose from.

This was literally like 1993 to 1995. For the entire 100 years before and 30 years since, JMU hasn’t been a serious contender. It was a great marketing ploy and a few suckers bought in. But it isn’t and wasn’t even close to the same as VT in terms of name recognition or academic programs. Not even close.

This just isn't true. At least not in state. JMU was ahead of VT in the in state pecking order well into the 2000s.

No. Not really. Just in houses where the parents had gone to JMU—my guess is that is your house. Not being mean. Just being honest. Aside from Nursing, it just doesn’t rate.

See, you're just wrong.

I shouldn't even be on this board, especially the college forum. But we'll leave that for another day.

I had four kids applying to VA colleges (we're in state) from the years 1999 to 2010. In all of that time period and the few years before and after JMU was considered the tougher admit. Three of my kids threw in Tech applications like they were nothing and all three were immediately accepted. They all considered JMU to be better and more "prestigious." And so did we. None went there either, though. They ended up at UVA and W&M.

W&M is same rating at VT

Are you dense??? Yes, NOW. But not THEN.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only JMU kids thought it meant Just Missed UVA. Everyone else knew the real
tops were UVA, VT and W&M. I find it interesting that VT and W&M are tied. It makes sense because both are solid but in totally different ways and have a totally different feel.

You are wrong. In the mid 90s everyone knew Tech was less competitive than JMU. Perhaps because of JMU's size of 12,000 to whatever Tech was back then. Clearly, when JMU doubled its size it lessened its selectivity. I'm happy for all the schools. GMU is never going to be like Tech, UVA or JMU. Its location and selectivity set it apart. We are lucky to have so many different options to choose from.

I agree on location, JMU gives you that far-off college town vibe; however, in terms of selectivity, JMU is like 80% and GMU is like 85% so not sure about that.

It's actually a fair bit different:
JMU 66% in 24-25 https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/fastfacts.shtml
GMU 87% in 24-25 (pg 13 gotta do math https://oiep.gmu.edu/resources/common-data-set/)

Which is why people don't believe GMU is good b/c JMU is more selective. Both are solid schools.

Selectivity in this case means nothing. As stated, JMU is more popular only because it offers the stereotypical college experience, while GMU doesn't. And GMU is a lot larger than JMU.

GMU's purpose is to educate the masses, first gen, low income. And it does a great job of it.

Uh speak from ignorance. My DD had a fulsome four year college experience at GMU. She lived in the dorms all four years, participated in sports, a sorority and was hired before graduation in the field she is still working in. The only “thing” GMU doesn’t have is a football team (thank heavens for that). All freshman are required to live on campus. There are over 6,000 dorm rooms. Four campuses including Arlington, Manassas high tech and Seoul Korea. You need to visit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only JMU kids thought it meant Just Missed UVA. Everyone else knew the real
tops were UVA, VT and W&M. I find it interesting that VT and W&M are tied. It makes sense because both are solid but in totally different ways and have a totally different feel.

You are wrong. In the mid 90s everyone knew Tech was less competitive than JMU. Perhaps because of JMU's size of 12,000 to whatever Tech was back then. Clearly, when JMU doubled its size it lessened its selectivity. I'm happy for all the schools. GMU is never going to be like Tech, UVA or JMU. Its location and selectivity set it apart. We are lucky to have so many different options to choose from.

This was literally like 1993 to 1995. For the entire 100 years before and 30 years since, JMU hasn’t been a serious contender. It was a great marketing ploy and a few suckers bought in. But it isn’t and wasn’t even close to the same as VT in terms of name recognition or academic programs. Not even close.

This just isn't true. At least not in state. JMU was ahead of VT in the in state pecking order well into the 2000s.

No. Not really. Just in houses where the parents had gone to JMU—my guess is that is your house. Not being mean. Just being honest. Aside from Nursing, it just doesn’t rate.

See, you're just wrong.

I shouldn't even be on this board, especially the college forum. But we'll leave that for another day.

I had four kids applying to VA colleges (we're in state) from the years 1999 to 2010. In all of that time period and the few years before and after JMU was considered the tougher admit. Three of my kids threw in Tech applications like they were nothing and all three were immediately accepted. They all considered JMU to be better and more "prestigious." And so did we. None went there either, though. They ended up at UVA and W&M.

NP. That’s interesting. It doesn’t track with my experience. As a 90’s grad of a top 3 private NWDC school with all the prestige-focus that implies, VA Tech was an acceptable application and even choice to attend. JMU was not even on the radar.

No, it wasn't. That's absolute and unadulterated bullshit. No one from the top 3 private schools in DC ever attended Tech in the 90s, and they barely do now. It's all right there on their websites. You're making things up.