James Madison University

In 2022, tuition for full-time students at JMU was $7,914 a year for in-state students and $30,466 a year for out-of-state students.

On average, colleges raise tuition about 3% each year.

If these numbers feel scary, remember, the displayed price of tuition does not give you all the info you need to know how much you will actually have to pay for college. Many students owe way less than the total tuition after grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts are awarded. Plus, student loans can make theprice of collegefeel more doable until you're done with college.

James Madison University meets 44% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates. First-year students that attend James Madison University full-time are awarded $11,956 a year in financial aid, on average.

The average student debt for graduates in the class of 2023 was around $31,333 per student, not including those with no debt.

In-state vs. Out-of-state Tuition at James Madison University

James Madison University is a public, state institution, so it offers a reduced tuition rate of $7,914 for students who qualify as state residents and attend full-time.

Public schools receive funds from the state to help them cover costs. These institutions offer reduced tuition for students who are residents of that state.

Choosing a college where you qualify for in-state status can cut the cost of college tuition. Be sure to verify your state's eligibility criteria for in-state tuition. Every state has its own rules about what makes someone eligible for in-state tuition. The most common requirement is that students must have lived in the state for a full year before starting school. There may be other criteria too, depending on the state you and your parents currently reside in.

Explore other Virginia colleges

Tuition for International Students at James Madison University

James Madison University has the same tuition for international students as for those from out of state.

International students are not eligible for loans or grants from the U.S. government, but may be eligible for private or James Madison University-specific grants, scholarships, and other funding opportunities. International students who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for the following types of financial support at James Madison University:

•Loans from outsideJames Madison University •Athletic Awards •James Madison University-specific scholarships

International students without financial need may be eligible for merit-based institutional scholarships.

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James Madison University Room, Board, Fees, and More

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Tuition is not the only cost of attending college; room and board, books, transportation and fees are also costs it consider when planning for college. Let's take a look at what impacts these costs, and what to expect at James Madison University.

Room and Board Costs at James Madison University

Room and board at James Madison University costs $11,988 a year. This covers the cost of living in dorms or other on-campus housing, and a meal plan that allows you to eat all or some of your meals the James Madison University's on-campus cafeterias and dining facilities.

Meal-plan costs vary based on on how many meals are included in the plan you choose.

How Much Do Books Cost at James Madison University?

First-year students are sometimes surprised by how much books and supplies cost–and not in a good way. The actual cost of books depends on the courses you take and what kinds of books and materials they require. To save money, many students choose to use books from the library or buy used textbooks and materials.

Annual Fees

The majority of colleges charge some yearly fees to help cover the cost of facilties, like the library, gym and computer labs.

Keep in mind, there could also be optional fees associated with participating in special activities, like Greek Life, or playing on an intramural sports team. Most colleges offer resources so that those who may struggle to participate because of cost can find ways to lower or eliminate these costs.

The Cost of Transportation at James Madison University

The total cost of getting around in college depends on a few key factors. Will you drive, fly, or take public transportation to school? Is on-campus parking free, or will you need to budget for parking? Is the campus small enough that you can easily walk from class-to-class?? Do you own a car, or will you need to use public transportation? All of these factors can make a big difference in your estimated cost of transportation. At James Madison University, freshman are not allowed to park on campus.

The location of a college or university can impact your transportation budget. Small, rural schools may be easier to get around, but the cost of getting to campus may be higher. On the flip side, transportation in a city is usually pricey, but cities may offer more buses, trains or affordable flights to actually get to school. James Madison Universityis in a town in Virginia.

Other Costs

When creating a budget for college, be sure to consider the cost of things like entertainment, clothes, furnishings and toiletries.

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Financial Breakdown for James Madison University

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Now, let’s look at the breakdown of all expenses, to get a better idea of how much students can expect to shell out for James Madison University.

Total Cost of James Madison University

What will the cost of attending James Madison University be? Here is a breakdown of tuition and expenses.

2023 Total Tuition and Expenses
In-state Tuition	$7,914
Out-of-State Tuition	$30,466
Room and Board	$11,988
Other expenses	$2,316

The total estimated cost will vary depending on whether you are going to live on-campus or off-campus.

Tuition and fees may vary depending on program, course level, location, and more.

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Financial Aid at James Madison University

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In 2023, 6,634 of the 20,070 undergrads enrolled received financial aid. James Madison University meets 44% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates.

The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is around $11,956 a year. Around 49% of James Madison University undergrads take out student loans to cover any remaining costs. James Madison University graduates who have student loans graduate with an average of $31,333 of student loan debt.

The average debt for each loan type varies.

Average Debt By Loan Type
Federal Loans	$19,330
Private Loans	$43,541

Most Common Loans for James Madison University Students
Federal Loans	46%
Private loans	15%

Most students take out institutional or government loans, because they tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Loans from the federal government can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest during school, while unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest at the time the loan is issued. If students do no qualify for enough federal loans to cover the cost of tuition, some take out private loans. Parents can also take out ParentPLUS loans, which are government loans for parents who are helping their children pay for college.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps colleges determine how much financial need students and their familes have, so they can offer a financial aid package that meets, or come close to meeting, their need. For more information on James Madison University financial aid, keep reading, or visit their financial aid website.

Scholarships at James Madison University

Some students may receive grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back.

In 2023, James Madison University awarded 4,166 need-based scholarships to students, giving away total of $45.1 million to help students with financial need cover the cost of school. An additional $9.58 million in merit-based scholarship money was awarded to students without demonstrated financial need.

James Madison University Net Cost

The net price of college is the actual cost of attending a school for one year. Net cost is calculated by subtracting any scholarships, grants or other aid that does not need to be paid back from the total cost. Student loans are not part of the calculation, because they need to be repaid.

Now that we have a sense of the total estimated costs for James Madison University students, we can subtract the average financial aid package to find the estimated net cost. Net cost can vary depending on a students’ need and the financial aid award received.

When considering whether a school fits your budget, it is important to consider the estimated net cost, not just the sticker price of tuition. Often, schools with the highest tuition also offer the most generous aid packages, so estimate your net cost before eliminating a school because it does fit your budget.

The average amount of financial aid received by a full-time first year student with demonstrated need at James Madison University was $11,956 in 2023. By substracting the average financial aid package from the estimated costs, we get a number that may make the cost of James Madison University seem more manageable.

Estimated Net Cost for Full-Time Students
In-State, On-Campus	$5,222
Net In-state, Off-campus	$2,874
Out-of-State, On-Campus	$39,730

What will attending James Madison University really cost you? The answer depends on several factors.

As of 2011, colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website to help prospective students and their families understand the actual cost of attending that school, based on their financial situation. You can find the James Madison University's net cost calculator on their website.

James Madison University Tuition Payment Plans

Some students choose to use payment plans to make the cost of tuition fit more comfortably in their budget.

Students cannot pay tuition in installments. Contact the financial aid office to verify this and discuss options.

Does JMU Offer Tuition Waivers?

Schools sometimes offer tuition waivers to certain groups, to reduce the total cost of attendance. Some colleges offer tuition waivers for faculty, staff, and their families , underrepresented students, or military students. Even if you qualify for a waiver, students are usually responsible for housing, meal plans, and other expenses.

Check the financial aid website for more information on payment plans and tuition waivers.

James Madison University's Endowment

An endowment is the total value of a school's investments, donations, and assets. Endowment is not necessarily an indicator of the quality of a school, but it can give you a sense of how much money a college can afford to invest in expanding programs, improving facilities, and supporting students.

For more information about James Madison University's endowment, check with the school directly.

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Learn More About James Madison University

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