James Madison University Admission
Acceptance Rate
71.52%
Yield (Enrollment Rate)
18.16%
Freshmen Enrollment
4,990
SAT Scores
1,250
For the 2024-2025 admission, a total of 38,428 students have applied and 27,482 students have allowed to admit to James Madison University (Acceptance rate: 71.52%). JMU's yield, also known as enrollment rate, is 18.16 % where 4,990 students have finally enrolled out of 27,482 admitted students.
JMU acceptance rate is lower (tighter to admit) compared to Public, 4-Years Colleges in Virginia. Compared to similar schools in rankings such as Florida State University and Michigan State University, its acceptance rate is average (the average acceptance rate of the schools is 72.87%).
JMU enrollment rate (yield) is lower (less admitted-students enrolled) compared to Public, 4-Years Colleges in Virginia. Compared to similar schools in rankings, its yield is average (average yield is 23.73%).
How to Apply to James Madison University
The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply JMU. JMU offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
| Admission | www.jmu.edu/index.shtml#admissions |
|---|---|
| Online Application | www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/index.shtml |
| Financial Aid | www.jmu.edu/financialaid/index.shtml |
| Net Price Calculator | www.jmu.edu/financialaid/calculators/index.shtml |
| Veterans Tuition | www.jmu.edu/registrar/veterans/index.shtml |
| Athletic | https://web3.ncaa.org/aprsearch/public_reports/apr2023/317_2023_apr.pdf?v=1723555770572 |
| Disability Service | https://www.jmu.edu/ods/index.shtml |
Admission Statistics Charts
The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at JMU and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Test Scores Comparison
In 2025, the average SAT score at James Madison University is 1,250 and the average ACT score is 27. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of James Madison University is comparable to the schools (average score is 1,258). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
| SAT Average | ACT Average | |
|---|---|---|
| James Madison University | 1,250 | 27 |
| Similarly Colleges in Rankings | 1,258 | 26 |
| All U.S. Colleges | 1,123 | 68 |
| Public, 4-Years Colleges | 1,112 | 67 |
| 4-Years Colleges | 1,124 | 68 |
| Public, 4-Years Colleges in Virginia | 1,167 | 75 |
SAT/ACT Scores by Subject
At James Madison University, 721 students submitted SAT scores (14% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,250 and it is around average than average for Public, 4-Years Colleges in Virginia. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 600 | 640 | 680 |
| Mathematics | 570 | 610 | 660 |
| Total | 1,170 | 1,250 | 1,340 |
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: June 5, 2025)
At James Madison University, 133 students submitted ACT scores (3% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 27 and it is lower than average for Public, 4-Years Colleges in Virginia. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 24 | 27 | 29 |
| English | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mathematics | 0 | 0 | 0 |
JMU Admission Requirements
The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to James Madison University. The school requires 4 items to submit - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school record, Completion of college-preparatory program, and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
4 items are Considered if submitted - Recommendations, Admission test scores, Personal statement or essay, and Legacy status.
| Secondary school GPA | Required |
| Secondary school rank | Not Considered |
| Secondary school record | Required |
| Completion of college-preparatory program | Required |
| Recommendations | Considered, if submitted |
| Formal demonstration of competencies | Not Considered |
| Admission test scores | Considered, if submitted |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
| Work experience | Not Considered |
| Personal statement or essay | Considered, if submitted |
| Legacy status | Considered, if submitted |