James Madison University — College Profile

About

Located in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley, James Madison University is a public institution renowned for blending the resources of a major research university with an undergraduate-focused teaching model. JMU is particularly recognized for its top-ranked College of Business, exceptional nursing and health sciences programs, and strong offerings in education and media arts. The campus culture is famously welcoming and spirited, defined by enthusiastic Division I athletics, vibrant student traditions, and an exceptionally high student satisfaction rate. Setting JMU apart are its consistently top-ranked campus dining program, picturesque bluestone architecture, and an institutional commitment to producing engaged, enlightened citizens.

Wikipedia:James Madison University is a public research university in Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1908, the institution was renamed in 1938 in honor of the fourth president of the United States, James Madison. It has since expanded from its origins as a normal school and teacher's college into a comprehensive university. It is situated in the Shenandoah Valley, just west of Massanutten Mountain.

Location

Harrisonburg, VA, 22807 · City campus

✈

Nearest airport from college

IAD · Dulles

84 mi away

Open in Google Maps ↗

Cost

In-state COA

$31,735

Out-of-state COA

$49,089

Avg net price

$23,322

Room & board

$13,056

In-state tuition

$14,250

Out-of-state tuition

$31,604

Books & supplies

$1,298/yr

Average net price by family income

$0–30k

$11,444

$30–48k

$12,977

$48–75k

$16,475

$75–110k

$22,343

$110k+

$30,147

Admissions

Admit rate

72%

Test policy

Test optional

SAT average

1256

Reading 600–680

Math 570–660

ACT midpoint

Composite 24–29

SAT range (25th–75th percentile)

40080012001600

Wondering if James Madison University is the right fit for you?

Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list

Financial aid & net cost estimates

Deep dives on any school

Scholarship search

Get your college list →See a sample report first

Essay Requirements

James Madison University accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes

Graduation rate

80%

4-yr on-time completion

66%

1st-yr retention

92%

Transfer-out rate

8-year outcomes

Graduated

82%

Transferred

14%

Still enrolled

Dropped out / unknown

Median earnings (6yr)

$57,438

Median earnings (10yr)

$69,954

Median debt

$20,093

Monthly loan payment

$213

Debt range (25th–75th)

$7,500–$26,000

Debt (90th percentile)

$29,680

Student Body

Men 44%Women 56%

Student : Faculty ratio

■Students ■ Faculty

Pell grant recipients

17%

First-generation

21%

Median family income

$92,165

Independent students

Avg age at entry

20.0

Part-time students

Race & ethnicity

White

72%

Hispanic

Black

Asian

Two or more

Non-resident

Unknown

Programs & Earnings

Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings

Median earnings for graduates across all programs

6 years after entry

$57,438

10 years after entry

$69,954

Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions415

Communication and Media Studies413

Psychology, General330

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing286

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness272

Biology, General179

Marketing170

Information Science/Studies149

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities146

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods138

Computer and Information Sciences, General136

Business Administration, Management and Operations130

Finance and Financial Management Services129

Fine and Studio Arts115

Political Science and Government110

Hospitality Administration/Management85

Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.

Institutional

Endowment

$156M

Classification

R2: High Research

Undergraduate profile

Four-year, selective admissions

Full-time faculty

81%

Avg faculty salary

$10,916/mo

Instructional spend/student

$10,620