James Madison University

School Overview: Acceptance Rate, Tuition, and More

Harrisonburg, VA

$7,250

Avg in-state tuition

$23,564

Avg out-of-state tuition

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About James Madison University

School Type: Public

Status: Non-profit

Accreditation: Regional

Religious Affiliation: N/A While the student experience is largely unaffected at most schools with religious affiliations, some schools place more of an emphasis on religion. Learn how religious affiliations may impact students' experience.

Military Friendly: YesMilitary-friendly schools are Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges, offer the Yellow Ribbon Program, and have a dedicated point of contact to support veterans, military service members, and their families. Explore our college guide for service members and veterans to learn more.

James Madison University is a large public university located on an urban campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,727, and admissions are selective, with an acceptance rate of 80%. The university offers 49 bachelor's degrees, has an average graduation rate of 82%, and a student-faculty ratio of 17:1. Tuition and fees for in-state students are $7,250, while tuition and fees for out-of-state students are $23,564.

Admissions Breakdown

Acceptance Rate Insight

This school has a high acceptance rate.

This school accepts students at a higher rate than other schools. High acceptance schools welcome 51-100% of all applicants.

80% of students were accepted during the 2020-2021 school year. Sometimes schools with midrange acceptance rates have higher standards of entry but are still accessible to many students who apply.

Retention Rate Insight

Students remain enrolled in this school at a higher rate than other schools.

This typically means students are happy with their school selection and wish to continue their education there.

Learn more about how we determine school awards

89% of full-time students stayed to continue their studies the following academic year. These students started in Fall 2019 and returned in Fall 2020.

Graduation Rate Insight

Students graduate from this school at a higher rate than other schools.

This is typically an indication of a school's quality and means most students finish their degree in a timely manner.

Learn more about how we determine school awards

82% of students graduated out of all full-time, first-time students who began their studies in Fall 2014. Keep in mind many students who enroll are not typically first-time students, as most are adult learners. Therefore, the number of first-time students is traditionally low.

Application Considerations

Test scores Considered (not required)

High school transcript Required

High school rank Not required or recommended

Letter of recommendation Recommended

High school GPA Required

Open admission No

Completion of college prep program Required

Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) Required

Transfer Credit Policy

Dual enrollment Yes

Credit for qualified life experience* Yes

Advance placement (AP) credits Yes

*This can include previous jobs, trainings, licenses/credentials, or seminars. You may need to complete an exam or provide a portfolio to earn credit.

SAT & ACT

ACT 25th-75th Percentile 23-28

SAT 25th-75th Percentile 1120-1280

Learning Environment

Student Body Stats

This school has a student body of more than 15,000 students.

Learn more about how we determine school awards

22k

Students enrolled

96%

Online student enrollment

17:1

Student to faculty ratio

Ways Students Can Learn

Online Check Bold
On-campus Check Bold
Hybrid The program is a combination of on-campus and online learning and varies per program. Check Bold
International Online classes are available for students around the world. Check Bold

Demographics

White

75%

Hispanic

7%

Black

5%

Two or more races

5%

Asian

5%

Unknown

2%

Non-U.S. Citizen

1%

American Indian/Alaska Native

0%

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0%

Female student population

59%

Socio-economic diversity

14% of students received an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

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Online Programs

Offers Online Programs

Yes

Online Programs

12

Total Online Enrollment

20,632

Student Location Breakout

Percent of Programs Online

88% On-campus

12% Online

Types of Online Programs Offered

Certificates Check Bold 100% online

Associate X Bold Not offered

Bachelor's Check Bold 4% online

Graduate Certificate Check Bold 56% online

Master's Check Bold 15% online

Doctorate X Bold Not offered

Student Charges

Tuition and Required Fees

Student Level In-state Out-of-state
Undergraduate $7,250 $23,564
Graduate $10,848 $27,888

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree or certificate-seeking undergraduates for the 2020–2021 academic year.

Costs to Consider Price
Books and supplies $1,082
On-campus room and board $11,348
On-campus other expenses $4,020
Off-campus (not with family) room and board $11,348
Off-campus (not with family) other expenses $4,020
Off-campus (with family) other expenses $4,020

Total Undergraduate Cost

Total cost by category In-state Out-of-state
On-campus $23,700 $40,014
Off-campus without family $23,700 $40,014
Off-campus with family $12,352 $28,666

Financial Breakdown

Students Receiving Aid

Federal Grant Aid

14%

State Grant Aid

14%

Institution Grant Aid

18%

Pell Grant

14%

Average Aid Awarded

Federal Grant Aid $4,709
State Grant Aid $5,934
Institution Grant Aid $7,853
Pell Grant Aid $4,570

Financial Outlook

$21k

Average student debt after graduation

$46k

Average salary 6 years after starting school

Varsity Athletic Teams

NCAA Division I-FCS

of the overall student body is a member of an athletic team.

Participation

Men Women
  • Basketball
  • Field Hockey
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming Diving
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball
  • All Track Combined
  • Baseball

Degrees Awarded by Program

Degrees given for the 2020-2021 academic year.

1

Biological And Biomedical Sciences

BA

MA

DOC

2

Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services

BA

MA

DOC

3

Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs

BA

MA

DOC

4

Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services

BA

MA

DOC

5

Education

BA

MA

DOC

6

Engineering

BA

MA

DOC

7

English Language And Literature/Letters

BA

MA

DOC

8

Family And Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences

BA

MA

DOC

9

Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics

BA

MA

DOC

10

Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences

BA

MA

DOC

11

Health Professions And Related Programs

BA

MA

DOC