James Madison University

James Madison University admits 76.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places JMU in the Open Access category for admission selectivity, indicating that most qualified students who apply can expect to gain admission.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows that JMU's acceptance rate aligns closely with similar public institutions, being just 1.8 percentage points more selective than typical peers. This level of accessibility means that students with solid academic preparation—particularly those meeting JMU's elevated test score standards—face favorable admission odds.

The combination of open access admission with high academic standards creates an environment where qualified students can expect admission while still encountering rigorous academic expectations once enrolled. For prospective students, this suggests that meeting JMU's academic profile benchmarks essentially positions them for successful admission.

Students should focus their application strategy on demonstrating academic readiness rather than treating JMU as highly competitive. However, popular programs may have additional requirements or competitive internal admission processes that differ from general university admission.

Applicants should research specific program requirements and understand that general admission does not guarantee placement in all majors, particularly those with capacity limitations or professional preparation requirements.

James Madison University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for comprehensive analysis. Information Science stands out with a #3 national ranking and #1 state ranking, producing 168 graduates with median earnings of $97,364 and an exceptional value score of 96.0.

Clinical Pastoral Counseling ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Virginia, graduating 469 students with median earnings of $56,488. Digital Marketing ranks #19 nationally and #1 in Virginia, with 174 graduates earning $72,730.

Exercise Science and Kinesiology performs strongly at #20 nationally and #2 in Virginia, graduating 252 students with median earnings of $56,742. Banking and Financial Support Services holds the #32 national ranking and #1 state position, producing 163 graduates with median earnings of $94,451.

The university shows particular strength in health-related fields, business applications, and information sciences, with multiple programs achieving top state rankings and several earning national recognition for value and outcomes.

James Madison University's published cost of attendance reaches $30,213 annually, including $30,790 in out-of-state tuition (or $13,576 for Virginia residents), $12,584 for room and board, and $1,254 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid.

The average net price across all income levels is $21,816, representing financial aid savings of $8,397 from the sticker price. Compared to peer institutions, JMU's net price runs $6,226 higher than the peer median of $15,590, indicating above-average costs for a public university in this category.

This cost premium reflects JMU's strong academic reputation and comprehensive student services, though it places the institution in a higher cost tier than many comparable public universities. The cost structure varies dramatically by family income, with the lowest-income students paying significantly less than those from higher-income families.

Net price ranges from $10,582 for families earning under $30,000 annually to $28,869 for those earning over $110,000, demonstrating a progressive financial aid structure that concentrates support toward lower-income families while expecting higher contributions from more affluent families.

James Madison University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth and strong absolute income levels over time. Median earnings rise from $57,438 six years after enrollment to $64,070 at eight years and $69,954 at ten years, representing 21.8% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 3,698 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Earnings span from $48,802 at the 25th percentile to $100,257 at the 75th percentile, indicating meaningful variation across programs and career trajectories.

Low-income graduates earn $60,200, demonstrating solid outcomes for students from more modest economic backgrounds. The university produces earnings that fall $11,005 below expectations relative to similar student populations, placing JMU at the 13th percentile for earnings beyond expectations.

Approximately 23.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. Compared to peer institutions, JMU graduates earn $9,411 more annually than the peer median of $60,543, reflecting the institution's ability to deliver competitive market outcomes despite the modest value-added performance.