by our College Data Analytics TeamIs JMU worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
JMU is ranked #1,884 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D. Within Virginia, it ranks #39 of 81 for value.
Among the majors JMU offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| General Advanced Legal Research/Studies | #1 of 2 |
| Other Philosophy & Religious Studies | #2 of 2 |
| Philosophy and Religious Studies | #2 of 2 |
| Legal Research | #3 of 4 |
| Systems Science & Theory | #7 of 10 |
| Systems Theory | #7 of 10 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #7 of 10 |
| Science, Technology & Society | #8 of 13 |
| History | #8 of 13 |
| Accounting / Finance | #18 of 36 |
Read the full JMU value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
James Madison University is ranked #3 out of #92 in Virginia for quality and #39 out of #81 for Virginia value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the JMU financial aid page to be sure.
James Madison University is ranked #1,884 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, James Madison University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at JMU costs about $28,059. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $112,235 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $31,632 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $23,322 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $28,059 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $112,235 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the JMU net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a JMU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $126,528 | — | — |
| All Students | $112,235 | #1,884 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $93,288 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $126,528 | — | — |
| All Students | $112,235 | #39 | D+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $93,288 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at JMU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $10,582 |
| $30K–$48K | $12,172 |
| $48K–$75K | $17,150 |
| $75K–$110K | $23,171 |
| Over $110K | $28,869 |
About 43% of JMU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $10,140 per year. Get more details on the JMU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average JMU cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.