James Madison University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
JMU combines an accessible 71.5% acceptance rate with strong student outcomes: 92% of freshmen return and 80% graduate within six years. Your strategy should be to clear the academic bar confidently, not just chase admission. Since JMU is test-optional, submit scores if they strengthen your file, with about a 1330 SAT or 29 ACT as a useful target.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
James Madison University facts and stats
James Madison University enrolls 21,112 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. JMU has a 92% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 80% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16.9:1.
Harrisonburg, VA
How do your scores compare at JMU?
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Key James Madison University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional JMU, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year plus fall retakes to improve your score. For the November 1 Early Action deadline, the October SAT or September ACT is usually the last retake that will arrive in time, so earlier testing gives you more room to benefit from superscoring.
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What you'll actually pay
JMU is a public university in the Sun Belt Conference, with in-state tuition of $8,150 and out-of-state tuition of $25,496. About 23% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.
At JMU, out-of-state tuition is $25,496, while in-state tuition is $8,150, and room and board adds $13,056. About 23% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $12,083. Merit awards average $7,701 for students who receive them. Graduates leave with an average debt of $31,357.
Student life at James Madison University
10% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Averett University
Danville, VAAcceptance rate: 56.6%
SAT: 850–1170
ACT: 15–28
Bluefield University
Bluefield, VAAcceptance rate: 59.3%
Blue Ridge Community College, Virginia
Weyers Cave, VAAcceptance rate: 47.8%
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, VAAcceptance rate: 91.7%
SAT: 1010–1390
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