Government-Verified Education Data

James Madison University

Q: How much does James Madison University cost?

In-state tuition is $13,576 and out-of-state tuition is $30,790 per year.

Q: What do James Madison University graduates earn?

The median earnings 5 years after graduation is $57,438 and 10 years after is $69,954.

Q: What percentage of students at James Madison University take federal loans?

30.4% of students take out federal loans.

Q: What is the enrollment at James Madison University?

James Madison University has a total enrollment of 20,497 students (public institution). That is about 13× the national median of 1,556 students for U.S. degree-granting institutions.

Q: How much is out-of-state tuition at James Madison University?

Out-of-state tuition at James Madison University is $30,790 per year, compared with $13,576 for in-state students — a difference of $17,214. That is 16% above the national median of $26,585 for out-of-state tuition nationally.

Q: What SAT score do you need to get into James Madison University?

Admitted students at James Madison University typically score between 1170 and 1340 on the SAT (middle 50%), with an average composite score of 1256. Reading/writing range: 600–680; math range: 570–660.

Q: What ACT score do you need to get into James Madison University?

The middle 50% of admitted students at James Madison University score between 24 and 29 on the ACT.

Q: How do James Madison University graduates' earnings compare to the national median?

Graduates of James Madison University earn a median of $69,954 ten years after entry — 29% above the national median of $54,122 across 1,889 U.S. institutions in the College Scorecard. That is higher than 83% of ranked U.S. colleges.

Harrisonburg, Virginia · Public

Compare ROI Analysis

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$57,438

Acceptance Rate

76%

Graduation Rate

81%

Annual Tuition

$13,576

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of James Madison University earn a median of $69,954 ten years after entry — 29% above the national median. Acceptance rate 76.3%, average SAT score 1256, in-state tuition $13,576.

At a Glance

Total Students

20,497

Retention Rate

90%

Faculty Ratio

Financial Aid

30%

Median Debt

$20,093

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Public

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,256

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

600–680

SAT Math (middle 50%)

570–660

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

24–29

Institution Overview

James Madison University is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 76.3% and a student body of 20,497. The university has a strong retention rate of 90.1% and an 81% graduation rate. The median debt for graduates is $20,093, and 30.4% of students receive financial aid.

The in-state tuition at James Madison University is $13,576. Graduates report earnings of $48,545 one year after graduation, $57,438 five years after graduation, and $69,954 ten years after graduation.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$49k

1 YEAR

$57k

5 YEARS

$70k

10 YEARS

Top 17% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, James Madison University alumni earn a median salary of $48,545. Five years after graduation, median earnings increase to $57,438. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $69,954. The median debt for graduates is $20,093.

James Madison University has a student body of 20,497 students. The university has a 76.3% acceptance rate and an 81% graduation rate. The retention rate is 90.1%. The in-state tuition is $13,576, and 30.4% of students receive financial aid.