JMU Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 71.52%. Moderately selective, indicating a less competitive admission process.
- SAT Average: 1250. Above average SAT scores, indicating competitive applicants.
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $13,966
- Out-of-State Tuition: $31,312
- In-state tuition is affordable, while out-of-state tuition is higher, as is typical for public institutions.
Student Population at JMU:
- Total Enrollment: 22,740, including 968 online students
- 20,973 Undergraduate, 1,767 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 42.6% men, 57.4% women.
- This is a large institution, providing extensive academic options and vibrant campus life.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 80%. High graduation rate, indicating strong student support and academic success.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 92%. Excellent retention, indicating students are satisfied and supported.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 104 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 6 programs available fully online.
- Graduate Programs: 37 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.
JMU Overview
James Madison University (JMU) is a four-year, public school located in Harrisonburg, VA. It is classified as Research University with high research activity by Carnegie Classification, also known as R2 University. You can compare their tuition and admission statistics at R2 University comparison page.
The JMU's tuition & fees is $13,966 for Virginia residents and $31,312 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 42% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $10,140.
The school has a total enrollment of 22,740 and the students to faculty ratio is 17 to 1 (5.88%).
JMU's acceptance rate is 71.52% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 18.16%. The median SAT score is 1250 and the ACT score is 27.
JMU ranked 5th in Virginia Colleges rankings. James Madison University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of James Madison University is $13,966 for in-state students and $31,312 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $13,464 for in-state students and $30,984 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $14,367 for Virginia residents and $31,843 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $13,859 for Virginia residents and $31,447 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $13,966 | $31,312 |
|---|
| Graduate | $13,464 | $30,984 |
|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $14,367 | $31,843 |
|---|
| Graduate | $13,859 | $31,447 |
|---|
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
James Madison University offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at JMU
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | Army, Air Force |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | No |
|---|
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
|---|
| Study Abroad | Yes |
|---|
| On-Campus Services |
|---|
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
|---|
| Employment services for students | Yes |
|---|
| Placement services for completers | Yes |
|---|
| On-campus day care for students' children | No |
|---|
James Madison University Directory Information
Tools for analyzing and comparing JMU