James Madison University's published cost of attendance is $31,735, but need-based aid meaningfully reduces what most families pay. Low-income families see a net price of approximately $11,444, middle-income families pay around $16,475, and higher-income families pay approximately $30,147.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $31,735 |
| Tuition and Fees | $31,604 |
| Room and Board | $13,056 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,298 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,413 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $23,322 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,444 |
| $30–48k | $12,977 |
| $48–75k | $16,475 |
| $75–110k | $22,343 |
| $110k+ | $30,147 |
James Madison University's published cost of attendance is $31,735, but need-based aid meaningfully reduces what most families pay. Low-income families see a net price of approximately $11,444, middle-income families pay around $16,475, and higher-income families pay approximately $30,147. Azimuth ranks James Madison University #822 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. As with all income-band figures, these are medians within each band; individual aid packages vary, so some families pay more and some pay less than the figures shown. James Madison University participates in federal, state, and institutional aid programs, and the university's public-tuition structure keeps headline costs lower than at many private institutions. The gap between sticker price and net price is most pronounced for low-income families, where need-based grants and scholarships do the heaviest lifting — a pattern consistent with Virginia's public higher-education aid framework. Families applying for aid use the FAFSA, and Virginia residents may also qualify for state grant programs that further reduce out-of-pocket costs. For a fuller picture of how published costs compare with what families actually pay, see the . Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $20,093, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $37,285; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $70,627, median federal debt of $20,093 projects to a monthly payment of about $227 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of James Madison University earn median 4-year earnings of $70,627, placing James Madison University in the 73.1 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $5,516 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 34.4 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks James Madison University #432 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions reports 453 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $67,033, ranked #2 nationally in its major. Communication and Media Studies reports 399 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $66,436, ranked #30 nationally in its major. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing reports 282 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $87,056, ranked #150 nationally in its major. Psychology, General reports 272 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $56,212, ranked #81 nationally in its major.
