About James Madison University
James Madison University attracts over 20,000 students to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley with its reputation for strong business and education programs. The university has produced notable graduates including Grammy-winning musician Jason Mraz and ESPN sportscaster Lindsay Czarniak. With a 78% acceptance rate, JMU welcomes a broad range of students to its Harrisonburg campus. The Dukes compete in NCAA Division I athletics as part of the Sun Belt Conference.
Students pay an average net price of $21,816 after financial aid, making JMU relatively affordable for a full university experience. Graduates earn a median of $69,954 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $20,093. Monthly loan payments average $213, which represents a manageable burden given the strong earning potential. The 97% employment rate shows JMU effectively prepares students for the job market.
The student body skews female at 57% and draws heavily from Virginia, with three-quarters of students coming from in-state. Campus housing accommodates about 6,500 students, creating a residential college experience. The 90% retention rate indicates students generally find what they're looking for at JMU, whether that's academic preparation or the classic college experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Students pay an average net price of $21,816 after financial aid, making JMU relatively affordable for a full university experience. Graduates earn a median of $69,954 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $20,093. Monthly loan payments average $213, which represents a manageable burden given the strong earning potential. The 97% employment rate shows JMU effectively prepares students for the job market.
The student body skews female at 57% and draws heavily from Virginia, with three-quarters of students coming from in-state. Campus housing accommodates about 6,500 students, creating a residential college experience. The 90% retention rate indicates students generally find what they're looking for at JMU, whether that's academic preparation or the classic college experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Academics & Faculty
James Madison University operates as a full public research university with particularly strong business and education programs that draw students throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means classes can feel large, but the 81% four-year graduation rate shows most students stay on track despite the size. JMU's College of Business consistently ranks among the top public programs in Virginia, while the education school produces many of the state's teachers and administrators. The university also has well-regarded programs in communications, health sciences, and public administration. With over 20,000 students, JMU offers the resources of a major research institution while maintaining enough school spirit to feel more personal than typical state flagships.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 80.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 81.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 80.9%
- Retention Rate
- 90.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $69,954
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $116,083 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,739 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $91,744 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $72,659 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $72,290 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $68,965 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $67,380 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $66,377 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $65,238 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $64,493 |
Campus Life
JMU's 721-acre campus sits in Harrisonburg, a college town of 55,000 nestled in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley about two hours from Washington DC. Students need both winter coats and plenty of sunscreen as the Blue Ridge Mountains bring four distinct seasons with snowy winters and humid summers. About 32% of the 20,497 students live on campus in residence halls that house 6,481 students total.
The Dukes are known for their spirited game day atmosphere and strong school pride. Students flock to football games at Bridgeforth Stadium and basketball at the Atlantic Union Bank Center. Greek life attracts about 15% of students, while others join the 400+ student organizations. Downtown Harrisonburg offers restaurants, coffee shops, and outdoor gear stores that cater to the hiking and camping culture. Weekends often involve trips to Shenandoah National Park for hiking or Massanutten Resort for skiing. The campus buzzes with activity as JMU maintains a 90.14% retention rate, suggesting students genuinely enjoy the mix of academics, athletics, and mountain recreation.
The Dukes are known for their spirited game day atmosphere and strong school pride. Students flock to football games at Bridgeforth Stadium and basketball at the Atlantic Union Bank Center. Greek life attracts about 15% of students, while others join the 400+ student organizations. Downtown Harrisonburg offers restaurants, coffee shops, and outdoor gear stores that cater to the hiking and camping culture. Weekends often involve trips to Shenandoah National Park for hiking or Massanutten Resort for skiing. The campus buzzes with activity as JMU maintains a 90.14% retention rate, suggesting students genuinely enjoy the mix of academics, athletics, and mountain recreation.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 6,481 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1908
Campus Safety (2023)
76 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 7 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Arson | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–42°F
- July Avg
- 63°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 19.4"
Student Demographics
James Madison draws primarily Virginia residents, with 75% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the university's strong regional reputation and affordable tuition structure for Commonwealth families. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, largely due to JMU's well-known education and health sciences programs that traditionally attract female students. The student body remains predominantly white, though growing diversity reflects Virginia's changing demographics. Only 17% receive Pell Grants, indicating JMU serves middle-class families rather than the most economically disadvantaged students. Most graduates stay in Virginia after earning their degrees.
- Men
- 43.1%
- Women
- 56.9%
- White
- 74.6%
- Black
- 4.5%
- Hispanic
- 7.9%
- Asian
- 4.9%
- In-State Students
- 74.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.8%
Location
James Madison University sits in Harrisonburg, Virginia, roughly 120 miles southwest of Washington D.C. The campus operates in a classic college town nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. With 74.56% of students coming from in-state, JMU draws heavily from Virginia residents seeking the valley's four-season climate and outdoor recreation opportunities. Harrisonburg's population swells during the academic year as the university's 20,497 students nearly double the city's size. The small city setting provides access to hiking, skiing, and caverns while maintaining urban amenities like restaurants and shopping. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare James Madison University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $69,954
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $69,066
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $46,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $213/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,093
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at James Madison University?
James Madison University accepts 78.31% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The average SAT score is 1230, with the middle 50% scoring between 1140 and 1320.
How much does James Madison University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at James Madison University is $21,816 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,582 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full cost.
What is James Madison University known for academically?
James Madison University is recognized for strong business and education programs that serve its 20,497 students. The university maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and operates on a semester calendar system in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.
How well do James Madison University graduates perform in the job market?
James Madison University graduates have a 96.9% employment rate and earn a median salary of $69,954 ten years after graduation. The school maintains an 80.90% six-year graduation rate, helping students complete their degrees successfully.
Where do students live at James Madison University?
James Madison University houses 6,481 students in on-campus facilities, with room and board costing $12,584 annually. The campus serves a student body that is 56.93% female and draws 74.56% of its students from within Virginia.
Does James Madison University have successful athletics programs?
James Madison University fields 16 varsity sports teams in NCAA Division I competition as the Dukes. The university awards $10,356,579 in athletic scholarships to its 479 student-athletes who compete in the Sun Belt Conference.
