James Madison University
James Madison University is a public institution located in Harrisonburg, VA, offering 76 distinct degree programs across various fields of study. The institution maintains a strong graduation rate of 80.89%, demonstrating a commitment to student success and completion.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $13,576
- 2024 Average Net Price: $21,816 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 76.25% Moderate Selectivity
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 20,497 N/A% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 80.89%
- Average SAT Score: 1247
Costs
Tuition Costs
$13,576
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at James Madison University was $13,576.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$21,816
2024 Value
In 2024 James Madison University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $21,816.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$87,264 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$21,816 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$54,304 4-Year In-State Tuition
$123,160 4-Year Out-of-State Tuition
Costs include tuition and fees. Room & board, books, and other expenses are additional.
4-year total cost breakdown for James Madison University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
16.83% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
30.42% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
Not reported
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at James Madison University was not reported in the College Scorecard extract for this institution.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
76.25% Acceptance Rate
This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1247
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.3 - 3.5
Estimated Median GPA: 3.40
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
N/A% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at James Madison University in 2024 is 20,497 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
N/A%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
66.87% 100% Completion Time
80.89% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 66.87% of students graduating from James Madison University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for James Madison University.
Return on Investment
$20,093 Median Student Debt
$69,954 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
28.72% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
701.64% Return on Investment
2.9 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for James Madison University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 Programs Reporting Data
Communication and Media Studies: 455 completions
CIP 51.1504: 451 completions
General Psychology: 318 completions
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, & Nursing Research: 274 completions
CIP 52.0201: 234 completions
CIP 31.0504: 188 completions
General Biological Sciences: 187 completions
Marketing/Marketing Management, General: 168 completions
Elementary Education & Teaching: 163 completions
Other/Unknown Programs: 5,616 completions
Most popular programs at James Madison University.
Employment Outcomes
$57,438 Median Earnings (6 years after entry)
$64,070 Median Earnings (8 years after entry)
$69,954 Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
Earnings outcomes for James Madison University graduates.
About
James Madison University is a public institution located in Harrisonburg, VA, offering 76 distinct degree programs across various academic disciplines. The institution enrolls approximately 20,497 students. The admission rate is 76.25%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1247. The institution maintains a 80.89% graduation rate. Approximately 16.83% of students receive Pell Grants.
Institution Type
Public
Location
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Region: Southeast
Insights and Analysis
Exceptional Graduation Rate: With a 80.89% graduation rate, James Madison University demonstrates strong student retention and completion. This rate significantly exceeds the national average, indicating effective academic support and student services.
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 76 distinct degree programs, James Madison University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.