James Madison University
PublicHarrisonburg, VA
James Madison University is a public very large school in Harrisonburg, VA, enrolling about 20,888 undergraduates. It's not highly selective, admitting a majority of applicants, admitting about 72% of applicants. Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services graduates, especially in Information Science/Studies, report the strongest earnings here: a median of $113,345/year. On-campus housing isn't required, so many students live off campus.
Admissions
Cost & outcomes
From the US Dept of Education College Scorecard, most recent year reported. Not every school reports every field.
Where do you stand against James Madison University's numbers?
Check your chances hereHow James Madison University weighs your application
From James Madison University's own Common Data Set, 2024-25, Section C7 -- not a generic admissions checklist. What is a Common Data Set?
See full profile -- financial aid, campus life, and what James Madison University weighs in your application
Paying it back
"Still growing" means a borrower's payments aren't yet covering interest 3 years into repayment -- not a default rate. A high number here can mean real repayment difficulty, or just a lot of grads who deferred for graduate school, so read it alongside the school's typical outcomes above.
Majors & earnings
Median earnings 4 years after graduation, by major, from the US Dept of Education. Only shown where the school reports a real figure for that major -- most schools don't report every major they offer, especially smaller programs.
Campus life
Room and board are shown separately from the cost of attendance above -- that total already includes them alongside tuition and fees, this just breaks out the living-cost portion.
What matters in your application
From this school's own reporting to the US Dept of Education on what it formally requires, considers, or doesn't use when reviewing applications.
Frequently asked questions
What does James Madison University look for in applicants?
Per James Madison University's own Common Data Set (Section C7), it rates rigor of secondary school record, academic GPA as "very important" in admissions decisions -- its own stated top factors, not a generic guess.
What is James Madison University's acceptance rate?
James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA admits approximately 72% of applicants, based on the US Dept of Education's most recently reported figures.
What SAT score do I need for James Madison University?
Admitted students at James Madison University typically score between 1170–1340 on the SAT (25th–75th percentile).
What ACT score do I need for James Madison University?
Admitted students at James Madison University typically score between 24–29 on the ACT (25th–75th percentile).
How much does James Madison University cost?
James Madison University's total cost of attendance is reported at $31,735 per year, including tuition, fees, and room and board.
When is the application deadline for James Madison University?
James Madison University's earliest deadline is Nov 1, 2026 (EA), per its own published admissions calendar.
Does James Madison University require students to live on campus?
No -- James Madison University doesn't require students to live in on-campus housing.
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