<p>Which would you consider more prestigious? The US News rankings don't really help b/c tech is a 'national university' and jmu is a 'masters university'</p>
<p>Prestige is overrated. Since both schools are within driving distance of each other you should visit both campuses and decide for yourself. On that note, I do consider VaTech a single notch above JMU, but that could vary by department. Both are very good schools. I know people at both and they are all very happy.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>From a Northern VA student's perspective, VT has <em>slightly</em> more prestige/desirability among HS students (which doesn't matter much, but does reflect their prestige to an extent, especially in NOVA)
JMU is a safety school for people applying to UVA/W&M and top OOS schools, while VT is more of an alternative to UVA/WM for science/engineering type people. VT has more national name recognition, in part because of it's major football team. Unfortunately, the shooting there contributed to this. </p>
<p>I haven't met anyone who went to either school that wasn't 100% happy with their choice BTW.</p>
<p>nocousin is on it. Prestige, schmestige.....JMU has a rep for various terrific programs, VT the same. I think VT may have the edge in undergrad research and of course there aren't any engineering/architecture programs at JMU. Both schools have a lot to offer (Madison's business program is terrific) and the kids at each love their respective schools. If you are leaning toward a certain major, look at the strength or reputation of that department at each school. Factor that in more than anything you read in USNWR.</p>
<p>only on CC</p>
<p>Just Missed UVa?</p>
<p>I applied to both colleges last year as an in-state student; I currently attend JMU. My opinion is that the schools are at about the same prestigious level and as someone else mentioned each school has certain programs that they are known for. VT, for example is known for their engineering/science programs and JMU for its education, music and business programs. </p>
<p>I know for males applying to VT under the engineering program it is harder to get in. JMU does have an engineering program that was started this fall.</p>
<p>For anyone undervaluing the impact of prestige, I assume you’re still in college.</p>
<p>Graduate and look for a job outside of Virginia. When the recruiter asks “so where is James Madison University?” with a puzzled look, tell me how important prestige is.</p>
<p>(Disclaimer- VT '07 alum… Worked for GE, living in 6 states over the past 4 years and am scheduled to attend UCLA Anderson for my MBA in the Fall. Would have been difficult to have to explain what JMU is over and over to all my Ivy/big state school peers during that time.)</p>
<p>Okay, I am debating right now on which school is more “prestige” than the other. I am majoring in business. I heard good things from both JMU and V-Tech. It is extremely hard to pick which to attend. I have visited both campuses and each are beautiful. It all boils down to which is considered more “prestige”. According to businessweek, JMU is ranked at #28 in national business school, below William & Mary (23rd). Virginia Tech is ranked (54), because it is mainly an engineering school. Also, US NEWS AND RANKINGS, ranks JMU at 2nd in public University and 6th combined with private and public schools for regional University. While Virginia Tech is ranked at a mediocre 73. I got into each of these famous/popular schools. Each have same characteristics, so it all boils to “prestige”. Help me decide please!</p>
<p>It should not boil down only to “prestige” . Both good schools. VT is actually ranked 71 in national universities. JMU is ranked in a regional category. This is an old thread. Son did have to choose between JMU and VT at the end and picked VT because of its’ more national recognition. But go to where you feel is the best choice for you. It is a very personal choice at the end.</p>