James Madison University
Public university · Harrisonburg, VA · 20,888 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
72%
Moderately selective
SAT (middle 50%)
1170–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
Average net price
$23,550
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$33,276
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
80%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into James Madison University?
James Madison University accepts about 72 of every 100 applicants (72%), which makes it moderately selective. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1170 and 1340 on the SAT. A score at or above 1340 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1170, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 24–29.
The latest federal data says James Madison University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on James Madison University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does James Madison University cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $33,276 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $23,550 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $14,620 for VA residents and $32,230 for out-of-state students.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$14,620
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$32,230
- Room & board$14,368
- Total cost of attendance$33,276
- Average net price after grants$23,550
Popular majors
Health Professions & Nursing, Business, Communications, Parks, Recreation & Fitness, Social Sciences.
James Madison University FAQ
- What is James Madison University's acceptance rate?
- 72% — moderately selective.
- What SAT score do you need for James Madison University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1170–1340. Aim for 1340 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for James Madison University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 24–29.
- Is James Madison University test-optional?
- The latest federal data says James Madison University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on James Madison University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does James Madison University cost?
- About $33,276 a year before aid; $23,550 on average after grants.
- What is James Madison University's FAFSA school code?
- 003721. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so James Madison University receives your information.
- What is James Madison University's graduation rate?
- 80% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to James Madison University
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Military InstituteLexington, VA | 71% | 1050–1270 | $15,585 | 72% |
| Virginia Wesleyan UniversityVirginia Beach, VA | 73% | — | $20,237 | 45% |
| ECPI UniversityVirginia Beach, VA | 75% | — | $22,484 | 41% |
| Hollins UniversityRoanoke, VA | 68% | 1150–1340 | $20,875 | 69% |
| Sweet Briar CollegeSweet Briar, VA | 76% | 1100–1310 | $21,856 | 57% |
| Shenandoah UniversityWinchester, VA | 77% | — | $31,149 | 63% |