Public Institution

James Madison University — Harrisonburg, Virginia

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Annual Tuition $13,576

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 76.3%

Open Admission

Enrollment 20,497

Active Students

Avg. Salary $69,954

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Harrisonburg, Virginia
Institution type Public
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"James Madison University stands as a pillar of higher education in Harrisonburg, providing a robust academic foundation for 20,497 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does James Madison University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at James Madison University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions
18.8%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
14.2%

Enrollment Share

Communications
8.9%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
7.2%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences
7.2%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
6.2%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at James Madison University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at James Madison University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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What is the acceptance rate at James Madison University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 76.3%
Difficulty Low

James Madison University maintains an acceptance rate of 76.3%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 43.1%
Women Enrollment 56.9%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 600 - 670
SAT Mathematics 570 - 650
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does James Madison University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $13,576
Out-of-State Tuition $30,790

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 16.8%
Median Student Debt $20,093

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $13,576, graduates see a median starting salary of $69,954, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Virginia.

What salary can James Madison University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $69,954

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 80.9%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $21,816
Median Salary (6yr) $57,438
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at James Madison University in Harrisonburg?

20,497 Students

Gender Comparison

43.1% Men
56.9% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

90.1%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.1%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
4.9%
Black
4.5%
White
74.6%
Unknown
2.1%
Hispanic
7.9%
Two or More Races
5.1%
International
0.7%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 20
🎓
First-Generation 20.8%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 35.3%
💍
Married Students 1.5%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 100%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $81,580
Average Family Income $104,966
Median Family Income $92,165

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

47.9%
52.1%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Harrisonburg Campus Environment

Located at 800 South Main Street, James Madison University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Virginia. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps
⚖️

How does James Madison University compare?

Direct Comparison James Madison University vs Eastern Mennonite University →

Common Questions about James Madison University

Is James Madison University a good college in Harrisonburg, Virginia?
James Madison University is a recognized institution in Harrisonburg with an enrollment of 20,497 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in Virginia based on Department of Education data.
Is James Madison University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, James Madison University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $69,954. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does James Madison University cost for Virginia residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at James Madison University is approximately $13,576. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $30,790. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of James Madison University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending James Madison University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 35.3% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is James Madison University good for Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs?
James Madison University is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending James Madison University?
Graduates of James Madison University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $69,954, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for James Madison University?
James Madison University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does James Madison University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, James Madison University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can James Madison University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of James Madison University earn a median salary of $69,954 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is James Madison University a good investment compared to other VA colleges?
James Madison University stands out as a high-value investment in Virginia. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is James Madison University located and what is the campus like?
James Madison University is located at 800 South Main Street in Harrisonburg, VA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 20,497 learners.
Who typically attends James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA?
The student body at James Madison University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 20.8% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Virginia

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare James Madison University with other leading institutions in Virginia across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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