James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Virginia
James Madison University is a public institution in Harrisonburg, Virginia with 20,497 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $13,576 compared with a Virginia nursing-school average of $16,659. The school reports a graduation rate of 80.9%, median earnings of $69,954, and median federal debt of $20,093.
$13,576 is lower than the state average of $16,659.
80.9% is higher than the state average of 53.1%.
$69,954 is higher than the state average of $44,666.
About James Madison University
| Location | Harrisonburg, Virginia |
| Institution Type | Public |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.jmu.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $13,576 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $30,790 |
| Total Enrollment | 20,497 |
| Acceptance Rate | 76.3% |
| Graduation Rate | 80.9% |
| Retention Rate | 90.1% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $69,954 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,093 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $213 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 16.8% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 30.4% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.3 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
16.8% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 30.4% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is less common than at many institutions in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at James Madison University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $54,304, while the reported median debt is $20,093 with an estimated monthly payment of $213. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (74.6%), followed by Hispanic students (7.9%) and Asian students (4.9%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($69,954) divided by median debt ($20,093)