James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Virginia · Public · 71.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 84/100 · Strong Value
James Madison University
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $14,250/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $31,604/yr |
| Average net price | $23,322/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $93,288 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $69,954 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $46,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,093 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $213 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 79.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 20,888 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,444 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,977 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,475 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,343 |
| $110,001+ | $30,147 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at James Madison University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $67,033 | C |
| Communication and Media Studies | $66,436 | C+ |
| Psychology | $56,212 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $87,056 | B+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $63,065 | C |
| Biology | $62,914 | C |
| Marketing | $89,944 | B+ |
| Information Science | $113,345 | B+ |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $58,026 | C+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $104,806 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at James Madison University is $14,250/year ($31,604/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $23,322/year, or roughly $93,288 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $11,444/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $30,147/year.
The median graduate leaves with $20,093 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $213 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $69,954 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.44 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 84.9% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 87.1% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 88.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 91.1% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 71.5% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 570-660 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 600-680 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 24-29 |
| Enrollment | 20,888 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 17.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,916 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Madison University (this school) | 84 | $23,322 | $69,954 |
| William & Mary | 91 | $19,096 | $73,490 |
| University of Delaware | 86 | $17,799 | $72,950 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | 84 | $18,267 | $68,227 |
| University at Buffalo | 83 | $20,995 | $70,814 |
| Christopher Newport University | 64 | $23,015 | $60,509 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
James Madison University delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $23,322 per year ($93,288 over four years), graduates earn a median of $69,954 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 6.7 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 79.7% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $20,093 is very manageable against $69,954 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.