James Madison University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want a large campus community. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $63,300 within 10 years; strong 81% graduation rate.
About This School
James Madison University is a public institution located in Harrisonburg, Virginia with approximately 20,497 undergraduate students enrolled. James Madison University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 76%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,816 per year. The graduation rate is 81%, and the typical graduate earns $63,300 within 10 years of enrollment.
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.
This is a strong option for students who want a well-rounded public university experience without taking on crushing debt — graduates leave with a median of just $17,272 in loans, well below the national average, and are earning $63,300 a decade out. The 90% freshman retention rate and 81% graduation rate signal that students who enroll generally stick around and finish, which isn't guaranteed at every school this size. The 76% acceptance rate means it's accessible, but don't mistake that for a school that lacks identity — JMU has a genuine campus culture and strong programs in business, health sciences, and education rooted in its teacher's college roots.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (20,497 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Virginia
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Lynchburg, VA · Private nonprofit
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA · Public
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA · Public
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA · Public
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA · Public
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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