James Madison University
Campus Identity
James Madison University is a large public university in Harrisonburg, VA. Approximately 20,888 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 72% acceptance rate. Ski resorts are within 36 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 58/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
James Madison University is a large public university in Harrisonburg, VA. Approximately 20,888 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 72% acceptance rate. Ski resorts are within 36 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 58/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
James Madison University is a 20,000+, urban school with NCAA D1 athletics and an active Greek scene. The campus is 175 miles from Cape Charles, VA and 9 miles from Massanutten Resort.
Athletics
NCAA D1
Sun Belt
Greek Life
Active Organizations
Fraternities & sororities present
School Size & Setting
20,000+
Urban setting
Beach Access
175 miles
Cape Charles, VA
Weather
Warm Climate
47°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
James Madison University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Massanutten Resort, 9 miles away with 7 lifts and 82 skiable acres. All are within 36 miles of campus.
Virginia
Virginia
Virginia
Nearest Beach
Students at James Madison University are 175 miles from Cape Charles, VA.
Cape Charles, VA
Ocean access within 175.5 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Harrisonburg, VA
Harrisonburg has a cool climate, with winters averaging 32°F in Jan and summers peaking around 75°F in Jul.
Station: DALE ENTERPRISE · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
James Madison University in VA earns a composite safety score of 58/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $14,250 | $31,604 |
| Fees | $5,178 | $5,764 |
| Room & Board | $12,916 | $12,916 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $32,344 | $50,284 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
92 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is James Madison University located?
James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, VA. The main campus address is 800 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at James Madison University?
James Madison University has an acceptance rate of 72%, making it moderately selective. Out of 38,428 applicants, 27,482 were admitted in the most recent year. 20,888 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for James Madison University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at James Madison University scored between 24 and 29 on the ACT, with a median of 27. About 3% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend James Madison University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, James Madison University charges $14,250/year for in-state students and $31,604/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($12,916/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $29,564/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $23,322/year — what students actually pay. Use James Madison University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for James Madison University?
The undergraduate application fee at James Madison University is $70. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does James Madison University have college sports?
Yes — James Madison University competes at the NCAA D1 level in the Sun Belt. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is James Madison University the right fit for me?
Whether James Madison University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (72% admit rate), avg net price ($23,322/year after aid), campus culture in Harrisonburg, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh James Madison University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with James Madison University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Harrisonburg, VA
- Size
- 20,000+
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Sun Belt
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 47°F avg
- App Fee
- $70
- On Campus Safety Score
- 58/100
- Nearest Airport
- Weyers Cave, VA (SHD) · 12 mialso CHO (31 mi), EKN (62 mi)
Location
Harrisonburg, VA