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Colleges / VA / Harrisonburg
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James Madison University

Public Harrisonburg, VA · Urban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
80%
Graduation Rate
$69,954
Earnings (10yr)
$23,322
Net Price
72%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With nearly 21,000 students, James Madison University is a solid choice for those looking for a vibrant campus life and a range of academic options. The school shines in fields like Health Professions, Business and Marketing, Communications, Social Sciences, and Psychology. This diversity allows students to explore their interests while preparing for various career paths. The 72% acceptance rate suggests that a wide range of applicants can find their place here, making it an accessible option for many.

Looking at life after graduation, the numbers are encouraging. Graduates earn a median salary of about $69,954 ten years after leaving, which speaks to the value of the education received here. The affordability factor is also worth noting; with a net price of $23,322 after aid, many students find a manageable financial path. While we don’t have specific mobility data, these earnings indicate that graduates are positioned well in the job market.

When it comes to financial considerations, the median debt of $20,093 suggests that students can graduate without being overwhelmed by loans. This balance makes James Madison University appealing for those who are cautious about debt. The student body tends to thrive in a collaborative environment that values both academic success and personal growth, which helps foster a supportive community for all.

Rankings

How James Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation80%Earnings 10yr$70KNet Price$23KRetention92%Median Debt$20KPell Grant Rate17%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$11K$0-30K$13K$30-48K$16K$48-75K$30K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%185.2%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%4041.0%MOBILITY74.85%

Cost & Financial Aid

$14,250
In-State Tuition
$31,604
Out-of-State
$23,322
Avg Net Price
$20,093
Median Debt
17%
Pell Grant Rate
29%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$11,444
Family Income $0–$30K
$12,977
Family Income $30K–$48K
$16,475
Family Income $48K–$75K
$30,147
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$57,438
6 Years After Entry
$64,070
8 Years
$69,954
10 Years
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
79%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$57,438 6yr $64,070 8yr $69,954 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

74.85%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
4041.0%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
185.2%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$134,300
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.78
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
7.6%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.274%
Inventor Rate
56
Total Patents
140
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 72%
Retention Rate 92%
SAT Average 1256
ACT Midpoint 27
SAT Range 1170–1340
ACT Range 24–29
Full-Time Faculty 81%
Faculty Salary (mo) $10,916
Diversity Index 0.46
First-Gen Students 21%

Top Programs

Health Professions 18%
Business & Marketing 14%
Communications 9%
Social Sciences 8%
Psychology 6%
Computer Science & IT 6%
Visual & Performing Arts 6%
Education 5%