# James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/james-madison-university

James Madison University is a public college in Harrisonburg, VA with 20,888 undergraduates. It admits 72% of applicants, and admitted students average 1256 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $23,550 per year ($14,379 for families earning under $30,000). 80% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $75,482 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 72% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 35,750 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 27,258 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 600–680 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 570–660 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 24–29 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $33,276 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $23,550 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $14,379 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $14,452 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $16,960 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $22,031 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $31,907 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 20,888 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 80% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $75,482 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,500 (FY2024) |

## What James Madison University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Not considered
- Essay or personal statement: Considered
- Recommendations: Considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is James Madison University's acceptance rate?**

James Madison University admits 72% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**What SAT score do you need for James Madison University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 600–680 on SAT Reading and Writing and 570–660 on SAT Math; the average total is 1256.

**What ACT score do you need for James Madison University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 24–29.

**Is James Madison University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to James Madison University?**

In Fall 2023, 35,750 students applied to James Madison University and 27,258 were admitted; 4,922 enrolled.

**Does James Madison University consider legacy status?**

No. James Madison University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does James Madison University require an essay?**

James Madison University reported that an essay or personal statement is considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does James Madison University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $33,276 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $23,550.

**What is James Madison University's graduation rate?**

80% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 232423. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology