James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public · 4-year

James Madison University has a 76.2% acceptance rate. James Madison University is a public 4-year institution in Harrisonburg, VA, with a median SAT of 1250 and a median ACT of 27. The average net price is $23,322 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

76.2%

35,750 applicants

SAT Median

1250

Combined score

ACT Median

27

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$23,322

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at James Madison University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at James Madison University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)117012501340
ACT (composite, 1–36)252729

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.8%

Retention Rate

92.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

20,888

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at James Madison University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$11,444
$30,001 – $48,000$12,977
$48,001 – $75,000$16,475
$75,001 – $110,000$22,343
$110,000+$30,147

Top Majors at James Madison University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Health Professions860
Business, Management & Marketing652
Communication & Journalism426
Social Sciences379
Parks, Recreation & Fitness315
Psychology294
Computer & Information Sciences283
Visual & Performing Arts267
Education226
Biological & Biomedical Sciences200

Financial Aid at James Madison University

About James Madison University

Official website: https://www.jmu.edu/index.shtml

Admissions: https://www.jmu.edu/index.shtml#admissions

Frequently Asked Questions About James Madison University

What is the acceptance rate at James Madison University?

James Madison University has an acceptance rate of 76%. it received about 35,750 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1250; the average net price is $23,322 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to James Madison University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into James Madison University?

Getting into James Madison University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 76% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1250. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at James Madison University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for James Madison University?

Admitted students at James Madison University typically have a median SAT around 1250 and a median ACT around 27. With a 76% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, VA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend James Madison University?

The average net price at James Madison University is $23,322 per year after grants and scholarships. about 89% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $4,456 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at James Madison University?

James Madison University has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 92%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare James Madison University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is James Madison University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, James Madison University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1250. With a 76% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors James Madison University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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