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James Madison University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as JMU

James Madison University accepts 72% of applicants. It is a public university in Harrisonburg, Virginia, with about 20,888 undergraduates. The sticker price is $28,988 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $23,550.

72%Acceptance rate
1170–1340Middle 50% SAT
24–29Middle 50% ACT
$23,550Average cost after aid / year
80%Graduation rate
$62,132Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for JMU?

Admitly estimates a typical Virginia resident needs about a 3.3 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.8 for admission to be likely (80%+).

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into James Madison University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1225, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPAVirginia residentOut-of-state
2.529% Reach11% Reach
2.729% Reach11% Reach
3.029% Reach11% Reach
3.351% Target24% Reach
3.566% Target36% Target
3.778% Target52% Target
3.987% Likely66% Target
4.090% Likely73% Target

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at James Madison University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $28,988 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family incomeIn-stateOut-of-state
Under $50k$14,400$29,300
$50k – $100k$17,000$31,900
$100k – $150k$22,000$37,000
$150k – $250k$28,988$46,598
Over $250k$28,988$46,598

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

80%Finish their degree
92%Return for second year
$62,132Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about James Madison University

What is the acceptance rate at James Madison University?

James Madison University admits 72% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into James Madison University?

Admitly estimates a typical Virginia resident needs about a 3.3 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.8 for admission to be likely (80%+). This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for James Madison University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1170–1340 on the SAT and 24–29 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does James Madison University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $28,988 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $23,550 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $14,400 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at James Madison University?

80% of students finish their degree, and 92% return for a second year.

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