James Madison University Overview

James Madison University is a four-year, full-time, selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Harrisonburg, VA. It has an enrollment of 19,743 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 86.25%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $22,431. Tuition is $12,638.00 without financial aid.

James Madison University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At James Madison University, 91.04% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

James Madison University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1.

James Madison University Website

James Madison University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 86.25%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1233.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 27.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

James Madison University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $22,431. The in-state tuition is $12,638.00. Out-of-state tuition is $29,564.00

The average tuition is:

• $13,588, when family income is less than $30,000

• $14,826, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $18,572, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $24,432, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $27,600, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 32.61% of students received a federal student loan and 14.43% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $29,564.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

James Madison University Net Price Calculator

James Madison University Majors/Salaries

James Madison University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at James Madison University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,429
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $72,659
• Information Science/Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $72,290
• Education, General. (Master’s Degree) – $47,696
• Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $48,302
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $46,217
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $55,964
• Education, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $50,105
• Engineering, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,943
• Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,821
• Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,228
• Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,526
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,536
• Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,949
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,816
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,041
• Systems Science and Theory. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $60,623
• Science, Technology and Society. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,139
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,368
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Master’s Degree) – $41,937
• Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,600
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,704
• Physics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,260
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,336
• Psychology, General. (Master’s Degree) – $48,432
• Public Administration. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,281
• Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $52,941
• Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,672
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,816
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,270
• Geography and Cartography. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,829
• International Relations and National Security Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,671
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,860
• Political Science and Government. (Master’s Degree) – $43,798
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,281
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,234
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,416
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,569
• Music. (Master’s Degree) – $28,236
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,739
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $58,057
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Doctoral Degree) – $65,238
• Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,276
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $116,083
• Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,382
• Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $68,965
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,965
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $95,739
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,606
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $91,744
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $56,114
• Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $66,377
• Business/Managerial Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $64,493
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,380
• Hospitality Administration/Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,542
• International Business. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,964
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,794
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• History. (Master’s Degree) – $27,444

James Madison University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at James Madison University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.14%
• Asian: 4.78%
• Black: 4.66%
• Hispanic: 7.30%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.12%
• Non-resident alien: 1.07%
• Two or more races: 4.94%
• Unknown: 1.60%
• White: 75.38%

At James Madison University, 3.01% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

James Madison University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at James Madison University?

James Madison University (JMU) has a strong sense of school spirit and campus pride. Known affectionately as the “Madison Experience,” JMU prides itself on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. JMU football games are particularly popular, and students often show their school spirit by attending games, wearing school colors, and participating in tailgating and other game day traditions. In addition to athletics, JMU has a variety of other activities and events that foster a strong sense of community and school spirit, including concerts, performances, and volunteer opportunities. Overall, school spirit is an integral part of the JMU experience.

What are some popular extracurriculars at James Madison University?

James Madison University offers a variety of extracurricular activities for students to get involved in. Some popular extracurriculars at JMU include: 1) Club Sports: JMU offers over 30 club sports teams for students to participate in, from ultimate frisbee to lacrosse to rock climbing. 2) Greek Life: JMU has over 30 fraternities and sororities on campus that provide opportunities for community service, leadership, and social events. 3) Student Government Association: The Student Government Association (SGA) is responsible for representing the student body and advocating for their needs on campus. 4) Performing Arts: JMU has numerous performing arts groups, including the Madison Dance Company, JMU Theater, and the Marching Royal Dukes. 5) Volunteerism: JMU has a strong commitment to community service and offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for students, including the Madison Emergency Response Team (MERT) and Alternative Break Programs. These are just a few examples of the many extracurriculars available at James Madison University.

How are the food choices at James Madison University?

James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Virginia offers a variety of food choices to its students. It has several dining options, including traditional dining halls, food courts, cafes, and convenience stores. JMU’s dining halls offer a variety of cuisines such as Italian, Mexican, and Asian. They also feature vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Additionally, JMU’s food courts and cafes offer a wide range of food options, including sandwiches, pizza, salads, and freshly baked goods. Furthermore, JMU has implemented a program called “Farm to Campus” which focuses on using locally sourced and organic food items. Additionally, there are also several food trucks available on campus that serve a variety of food options. Overall, JMU provides a diverse range of food choices that caters to different dietary needs and preferences.

Is there Greek life at James Madison University?

Yes, Greek life is a prominent presence at James Madison University. There are currently 31 fraternity and sorority organizations on campus that are recognized by the university’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. These organizations offer students opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in philanthropic projects, and build strong friendships with other members. JMU has a strong commitment to ensuring that all Greek organizations uphold the values of the university and promote a positive campus culture.

What is James Madison University known for?

James Madison University is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA. It is known for its strong undergraduate programs in business, education, nursing, health sciences, and communication. Additionally, JMU has highly regarded programs in the fields of hospitality management, social work, psychology, and engineering. In recent years, JMU has gained attention for its growing research output and its commitment to sustainability and environmental studies. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the southern United States and is highly regarded for its student-focused approach to education.

What are the most popular school clubs at James Madison University?

James Madison University offers a wide range of diverse student organizations and clubs. According to the official JMU website, the most popular clubs at the university include: 1. Madison Union Board – plans and executes a variety of events and activities on campus, including concerts and movies. 2. Student Government Association – represents the student body and advocates for student needs and concerns. 3. Club Sports – JMU offers over 40 different club sports teams, ranging from soccer to ultimate frisbee. 4. Diversity organizations – there are several clubs that promote diversity and inclusion on campus, including the Black Student Alliance and Asian Student Union. 5. Greek Life – JMU has a large Greek community, with 15 fraternities and 14 sororities on campus. These are just some of the most popular clubs at James Madison University. There are many others that cater to a wide range of interests and passions. Students are encouraged to explore and get involved in as many organizations as possible during their time at JMU.

Is the campus at James Madison University safe?

According to the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report of James Madison University, the overall crime rate on campus is lower than the national average for universities. Campus police and security personnel patrol the campus 24/7, and the university has implemented various measures such as emergency blue light phones, safety escorts, and safety education programs to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. However, it’s always important to take personal safety precautions, such as not walking alone at night and reporting any suspicious activity to campus authorities.