Civic engagement and community service are a part of campus culture at James Madison University, stemming back to the 1986 establishment of an initiative promoting service-learning. At 83%, James Madison's six-year graduation rate stands out among large public universities and is slightly higher than is expected of colleges that enroll similar students, according to a Money analysis of graduation rates. The college has strong offerings in visual and performing arts, as well as in the social sciences. Health-related programs, business and communications are among the most popular majors. Although James Madison has nearly 20,000 undergraduates, 88% of classes have fewer than 50 students in them, and the student-faculty ratio is 16:1. James Madison is in the middle of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, offering mountain views and some hilly walks around the campus and the city of Harrisonburg. Students can also join wide-ranging organizations like the 3D printing club, caving club, and the antisocial social club.
Costs
- Est. full price 2022-2023
- $29,600
- % of students who get any grants
- 35%
- Est. price for students who receive aid
- $19,600
- Average price for low-income students
- $14,290
Admissions
- Acceptance rate
- 77%
- Median SAT/ACT score
- 1210/26
- SAT/ACT required?
- No
- Undergraduate enrollment
- 19,660
Financial Aid
- % of students with need who get grants
- 63%
- % of need met
- 35%
- % of students who get merit grants
- 1%
- Average merit grant
- $6,730
Student Success
- Graduation rate
- 84%
- Average time to a degree
- 4.2 years
- Median student debt
- $20,500
- Early career earnings
- $61,270
- % earning more than a high school grad
- 82%
