James Madison University
What James Madison University's own numbers say, from its Common Data Set 2025-26.
See your odds at James Madison University →All 3 insights at James Madison University PRO
Who says yesJames Madison University
83% of students admitted to James Madison University go elsewhere.
Only 17% of admits enroll, so James Madison University admits far more students than it has seats.
Enroll17%
Go elsewhere83%
Source: James Madison University's Common Data Set 2025-26
Test scoresJames Madison University
At most 19% of James Madison University's first-years sent an SAT or ACT.
16% sent an SAT and 3% an ACT (some sent both), so most enrolled without a score. SAT middle 50% among those who sent: 1180–1330.
Sent an SAT16%
Sent an ACT3%
Source: James Madison University's Common Data Set 2025-26
ApplicationsJames Madison University
Applications to James Madison University are up 81%.
From 23,578 in 2019-20 to 42,595 in 2025-26.
2019-2023,578
2025-2642,595
Source: James Madison University's Common Data Set 2025-26
2 more things the data says PRO
- Only 16% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score, so its SAT range describes a minority of the class.
- Applications rose 81% from 2019-20 to 2025-26 (23,578 to 42,595), faster than 89% of colleges here.
What students say PRO
From students' own posts on Reddit and admissions forums: self-reported, unverified, never used in your odds.
- Most admits who named a round applied Early Action (29 of 33); only 4 said Regular Decision.
- Varsity sports were very common among admits, often with a captain role, such as team captain, baseball, lacrosse, swim or soccer.
- Many admits held a part-time or summer job, from food service and retail to tutoring, caregiving or a family business.
- Honor society membership and school leadership roles, such as NHS officer, class officer or club president, appeared often among admits.
- Many admits had mid-range numbers, with GPAs around 3.4 to 3.9 and SATs from about 1100 to 1400, and several applied test-optional.
- Students report many Early Action applicants were deferred, even strong ones, and deferred students usually hear back by March or early April.
- Students report deferred EA applicants have historically had good odds in the regular round, though it varies by year.
- Students report admission is not by major, but business and nursing need a separate application in sophomore year, and fine arts need a portfolio or audition.
- Students report JMU gives little merit aid, requires a Scholarship Hub form, and sends aid details by about the end of February.
- Students report applications are rising to record levels, so the acceptance rate may be falling below the earlier figure of about 70 percent.
Every number, year by year: James Madison University on Open College Data. Something wrong? Suggest a correction.