James Madison University
About James Madison University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley. It is known for its strong undergraduate experience, with top programs in business, health sciences, education, and the arts. JMU consistently ranks as one of the best public universities in the South.
Founded
1908
Location
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Students
22,655
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
71.5%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
79.7%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$14,250
Out-of-state: $31,604
Avg Net Price
$23,322
After financial aid
SAT Average
1256
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$69,954
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
71.5 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$70
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
James Madison University accepts 71.5% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1256/ 1600
ACT Scores
27/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
79.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
92%
4-Year Grad
65%
6-Year Grad
82%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
80.9%
$/Student
$10.6K
Class Size
Medium
While 65% finish in 4 years, 92% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$14,250
In-State
$31,604
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,056
Books & Supplies
$1,298
Total Cost of Attendance
$31,735
After Financial Aid
$23,322
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,444
Receive Grants
17.1%
Take Loans
29%
The full cost of attendance is about $31,735/yr for in-state students, including $13,056 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $23,322. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $31,604.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at James Madison University fund their education.
While in School
17.1%
Get Grants
Free money
29%
Take Loans
Must repay
$92,165
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,093
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$213/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 29% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,093. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends James Madison University.
Gender
56.4%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
20,888
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,767
Graduates
20.8%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
2.9%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 20.8% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
20,888
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
James Madison University fields 12 varsity teams with 549 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Sun Belt
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
549
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
41% / 59%
227
Men
322
Women
6
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of James Madison Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$69,954
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
$34K
415 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$43K
413 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
330 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$76K
286 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$36K
272 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$34K
179 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $57K at six years, $53K at eight, and $70K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about James Madison University
What is the acceptance rate at James Madison University?▾
How much does James Madison University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at James Madison University?▾
How much do James Madison University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.