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James Madison University

JMU

Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807

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Campus Vibe

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Strong graduate outcomes — known for health sciences

James Madison University is a public institution in Harrisonburg with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1247, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 20.5K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

81% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $69,954 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $21,816.

Established
1908
Motto
"Knowledge is Liberty"
Mascot
Duke Dog
Type
Public research university
Conference
NCAA's Division I
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

5 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, Apr 10 · Campus Tour
76%Acceptance
1247SAT Avg
20,497Students
17:1Student:Faculty
81%Grad Rate
$69,954Earnings 10yr
$21,816Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

James Madison University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate76.3%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1247

Reading & WritingMid: 620
600670
MathMid: 605
570650

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 27
2529

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

76.3%

Trend

SAT Avg

1247

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$13,576
Tuition (out-of-state)$30,790
Room & Board$12,584
Books & Supplies$1,254
Total Cost of Attendance$30,213
Average Net Price$21,816
Median Debt at Graduation$20,093
Monthly Payment (10yr)$213

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$10,582
$30–48K$12,172
$48–75K$17,150
$75–110K$23,171
$110K+$28,869

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$21,816

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

7000.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$17,272

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

155

Peer Average

240

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Programs (94)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
20,497
Gender Split
57% / 43%
Women / Men
First Generation
21%
Pell Grant Recipients
17%

Race & Ethnicity

White 75%
Black 4%
Hispanic 8%
Asian 5%
Two+ 5%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate80.9%
Freshman Retention90.1%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$57,438
8 Years$64,070
10 Years$69,954

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$56,500
Men
$74,000

Rankings

U.S. News
#124
Forbes
#136
Wall Street Journal
#29
Washington Monthly
#75

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Dukes

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

111High

Estimated from VA state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Washingtonpop. 690K
104 mi(180 min)
Baltimorepop. 570K
135 mi(234 min)
Pittsburghpop. 300K
151 mi(262 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

James Madison University Application Checklist

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