Overview
James Madison University is a less selective public four-year institution in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The school accepts 78.3% of applicants and enrolls 20,497 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 78.3%
- Average SAT
- 1,230
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,140–1,320
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 26
- Total Enrollment
- 20,497
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
James Madison University uses the Common Application and requires your high school transcript, counselor recommendation, and personal essay. The regular decision deadline is January 15, with rolling admissions continuing through May 1 if space remains available. You can submit test scores if they strengthen your application, but they're optional.
The nursing program operates as a direct admit system with much higher selectivity than the university overall. You must apply specifically to the School of Nursing during your initial application and meet additional prerequisites including specific science courses. Engineering programs within the College of Integrated Science and Engineering also maintain more competitive admission standards.
Housing applications open in February for admitted students, and you should submit yours quickly since popular residence halls fill up fast. East Campus houses mostly first-year students and sits closer to academic buildings, while Lakeside offers apartment-style living for upperclassmen. The university requires all first-year students to live on campus unless you're a commuter from the local area.
Orientation happens throughout the summer in two-day sessions called 1787 Orientation. You'll register for fall classes during orientation, so research your major requirements beforehand. Popular general education courses fill up during early orientation sessions.
The campus sits in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley with easy access to hiking trails and outdoor recreation. Harrisonburg offers typical college town amenities but limited public transportation, so many upperclassmen bring cars. The university operates a strong bus system connecting campus buildings and some off-campus housing areas.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $21,816/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $13,576
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $30,790
- Students Receiving Aid
- 17%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 80.9%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $69,954/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 90.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does James Madison University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
James Madison University has adopted a test-optional policy, meaning SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission. Students can choose whether to submit test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for James Madison University?
James Madison University has an early action deadline of November 1 and a regular decision deadline of January 15. Early action is non-binding and provides an admission decision by January 15.
Does James Madison University offer early decision or early action?
James Madison University offers early action but not early decision. Early action is non-binding, allowing students to apply to other schools and compare offers before making a final decision.
How many transfer credits does James Madison University accept?
James Madison University typically accepts up to 60 transfer credits from community colleges and up to 90 credits from four-year institutions. Transfer students must complete at least 30 credits at JMU to graduate.