James Madison University (JMU), located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a public research university known for its commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. Established in 1908, JMU takes pride in its reputation for academic excellence and innovative programs across various disciplines. The university offers over 130 degree programs, ensuring students have ample opportunities to pursue their interests and career aspirations. Notable programs include business, education, and health sciences, which often rank among the top in the nation. JMU's emphasis on a liberal arts education promotes critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication skills, preparing graduates for a competitive job market.

The university is also recognized for its strong sense of community and school spirit, reflected in its motto, “We are all Dukes,” which embodies a collaborative and supportive campus culture. JMU's picturesque campus, surrounded by the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, provides an ideal setting for both academic and extracurricular activities. Students enjoy a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, organizations, and athletics, including a successful NCAA Division I sports program. Additionally, the university places a strong focus on experiential learning, encouraging students to engage in internships, community service, and study abroad programs, which enhance their educational experience. With a dedicated faculty and a commitment to student success, James Madison University continues to cultivate leaders equipped to make a positive impact in the world.

Trends in Tuition Rates and Graduation Rates at James Madison University

The data reflects notable trends in tuition rates and graduation rates at James Madison University over the years. From 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition has grown from $9,176 to $13,576, representing an increase of nearly 48%. Out-of-state undergraduate tuition has escalated even more significantly, from $23,654 to $30,790, which is an increase of approximately 30%. This substantial rise in tuition may pose financial burdens on students and their families, potentially impacting access to higher education.

Simultaneously, graduation rates exhibit fascinating dynamics. The on-time graduation rate has fluctuated somewhat, peaking at 68.8% in 2021 before falling to 65.3% in 2024. Conversely, the 150% graduation rate has consistently remained around 82% to 84%, reflecting a stable support system for students in completing their degrees, albeit with some short-term variability in the typical graduation time frame.

These findings suggest a complex relationship between increasing tuition and graduation outcomes. High tuition may discourage some prospective students from enrolling or completing their degrees within the traditional timelines. However, the university's ability to maintain a relatively high rate of extended graduation indicates a commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journeys.

Overall, these trends underscore the urgent need for universities to address financial accessibility while ensuring that educational quality and student support remain priorities, as they navigate the challenges posed by soaring costs.

Analysis of Graduation Data from James Madison University

The graduation data from James Madison University for the year 2023 highlights some compelling trends across various fields of study, particularly in the health and education sectors. The Registered Nursing program exhibits a notable output with 286 bachelor's degree graduates, indicating the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, especially amidst recent global health challenges. This aligns with national trends where nursing remains a critical area of need, reflecting an increased focus on healthcare education.

Similarly, the Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling program also shows a strong number of graduates at 413 for bachelor's degrees. This points to a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and community health initiatives in a post-pandemic society. The rise in such offerings illustrates the university’s responsiveness to societal needs, particularly in addressing health disparities.

Interestingly, graduate programs in education, especially in general education, present a smaller cohort; however, the statistics from the master's degree program imply a commitment to advanced teacher training, suggesting a push towards higher educational qualifications among educators.

Furthermore, the data reveals an underrepresentation of international students in certain programs, notably in nursing and health sciences, which can signify potential areas for growth in attracting a diverse student body. The inclusion of just a few international students in specific degrees points to the opportunity for JMU to enhance its global outreach and support for international candidates.

Overall, the graduation data emphasizes the university's alignment with contemporary demands in healthcare and education while also highlighting areas for further development in diversity and program expansion.

Analysis of James Madison University's Admission Trends

James Madison University has shown a fluctuating but generally upward trend in its rankings over the years, culminating in a rank of 148 in 2025, following an increase from 124 in 2024. This indicates a competitive environment, likely leading to an increase in both applicant numbers and enrollment challenges. Looking at the admission rates, we can observe a notable change over the years. The acceptance rate for male candidates has decreased from approximately 59% in 2010 to around 71.5% in 2024, while the acceptance rate for female candidates has been relatively higher, starting at about 69% in 2010 and slightly decreasing to approximately 79.5% in 2024. The growing number of applicants, as evidenced by the steadily increasing figures of denied applications—rising from over 6,700 in 2010 to around 8,500 in 2024—reflects the university's rising popularity and competitiveness. The overall enrollment numbers also suggest a positive trend, with enrollment figures reaching nearly 5,000 in recent years. However, the immense number of deferred applications—over 22,000 in 2024—exhibits the challenges that institutions face in managing demand. Students are eager to secure spots, yet many may need to wait, highlighting the pressure on academic institutions, especially amidst increasing competition in the higher education system. As James Madison University continues to enhance its reputation, prospective students may need to adopt strategic application approaches to increase their chances of acceptance. The trends observed here illustrate the complexities of navigating university admissions in today's competitive landscape.

Analysis of SAT Scores and Submission Trends at James Madison University

The data from James Madison University reveals intriguing trends regarding SAT score submissions and performance over the years, from 2007 to 2024. Notably, the number of students submitting SAT scores has significantly decreased, falling from 3,753 individuals in 2007 to just 951 in 2024, indicating a drop of approximately 75%. This decline reflects a broader trend in many U.S. universities where standardized testing is becoming less emphasized in the admissions process.

Concurrently, the range of SAT scores among admitted students has shown variability. While the lower and upper thresholds for the SAT reading and mathematics sections have generally shifted upward, with the 25th percentile rising from 530 to 600 in reading over the years, the 75th percentile also shows a notable increase, moving from 620 to 670. This suggests an increasingly competitive applicant pool, even as fewer students choose to submit SAT scores.

The proportion of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated as well, dropping from 99% in 2007 to a worrying 19% in 2024. This raises essential questions about the university's admissions strategy and how it balances the importance of standardized test scores against other assessment criteria, particularly in an era that emphasizes holistic admissions processes.

The changes in admissions data reflect broader societal shifts regarding education assessment, with many institutions embracing more inclusive methods to evaluate prospective students. As James Madison University adapts to these developments, ongoing evaluations will be crucial to understanding how these trends affect the overall quality and diversity of the student body.

Demographic Insights of James Madison University in 2024

The student population at James Madison University in 2024 reveals intriguing demographic patterns. With a total of 49,491 students, the undergraduate freshmen represent a significant portion, comprised of 4,922 individuals. This group showcases a balanced gender distribution with 42.8% males and 57.2% females, indicating a continuing trend towards higher female enrollment in undergraduate programs.

The upperclassmen, totaling 14,842, maintain a similar gender ratio, where males constitute 43.1% and females 56.9%. This suggests that the institution has successfully retained a diverse student body across different academic years, although slight increases in female students remain prominent.

Moreover, the undergraduate transfer students consist of 733 individuals, with slightly more males at 45.4% compared to females at 54.6%. This data highlights the growing trend of students transferring into universities, possibly reflecting the increasingly competitive nature of undergraduate admissions.

The graduate student demographic is distinct, with 1,752 individuals, comprising a significant 68.6% females and only 31.4% males. This pattern aligns with national trends, as more women are pursuing graduate education, thereby expanding their career prospects in various fields.

Overall, the diversity within various subgroups, notably among the undergraduate and graduate populations, is a positive indicator of the university's commitment to inclusivity. As demographics evolve, it will be interesting to observe how these trends influence future educational policies and student engagement initiatives at James Madison University.

Age Composition of Students at James Madison University in 2024

The age distribution of students at James Madison University for 2024 showcases a significant trend among college demographics. Notably, the largest cohort comprises students aged 18-19, with 3,666 male undergraduates and 5,071 female undergraduates, illustrating the traditional college age range remains robust. This is reflective of nationwide trends where most students enter college immediately after high school.

Interestingly, the following age groups (20-21) show high participation rates as well, with males and females participating in nearly equal numbers. This may suggest that JMU is appealing to students who are either continuing directly from high school or are effectively transitioning from a gap year into higher education.

As we look at older age brackets, participation rates noticeably decline. For example, students aged 25-29 exhibit a considerable drop, with only 254 total students, compared to the younger groups. This decline may indicate the challenges faced by non-traditional students, such as balancing work and education or financial constraints hindering their pursuit of higher education.

Additionally, the presence of mature students (age 30 and above) appears limited. This demographic, while growing in many educational institutions, seems less represented at JMU, as seen with those aged 30-34 amounting to just 222 students in total. The trend of declining numbers continues with even older age brackets, suggesting an increasing gap in access for older learners.

Overall, the data paints a picture of a youthful student body at JMU, reflecting broader trends in higher education where traditional-age students dominate enrollment figures, coupled with a notable absence of older non-traditional learners.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at James Madison University

Over the years, the data from James Madison University reveals a fluctuating trend in international student enrollment at both undergraduate and graduate levels. From 2005 to 2015, there was a notable increase in the number of international undergraduates, peaking at 459 students in 2015, which accounted for approximately 2.4% of the total undergraduate enrollment. However, this percentage saw a decline in the following years, particularly during the pandemic years around 2020 and beyond.

The significant drop in the number of international undergraduates in 2021, down to 258 students, reflects a broader trend across many universities in the United States, influenced by travel restrictions and the uncertainty surrounding global education due to COVID-19. This decline is particularly pronounced, as it highlights the intrinsic challenges facing international students in the current geopolitical climate.

Conversely, there has been a steady growth in the percentage of international students at the graduate level, with the highest percentage reaching 5.82% in 2024. This growth can be attributed to the university's strategic initiatives to attract graduate students, possibly due to the demand for specialized skills in a globalized job market.

Overall, the fluctuating numbers and proportions of international students suggest that while James Madison University has been successful in drawing graduate students, it faces challenges in maintaining and increasing its undergraduate international student body. This trend underscores the need for universities to enhance their outreach and support systems to cater to the unique needs of international students.

Here is a brief introduction to some notable universities and colleges surrounding James Madison University:

1. University of Virginia-Main Campus: Ranked 24th in the US News 2025 rankings, the University of Virginia is a prominent public university known for its rigorous academic programs and rich history.

2. Washington and Lee University: This highly respected liberal arts university is ranked 19th. It offers a personalized education with a strong emphasis on leadership and community engagement.

3. University of Richmond: Ranked 22nd, the University of Richmond is a private liberal arts college that emphasizes a strong undergraduate experience and offers a diverse range of academic programs.

4. George Mason University: With a ranking of 109, George Mason University is known for its innovative academic programs and a strong focus on research, providing students with a wide array of opportunities.

5. Georgetown University: Ranked 24th, Georgetown is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the U.S., celebrated for its programs in international relations, law, and political science.

6. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: Known as Virginia Tech, this university is ranked 51st and is well-regarded for its engineering and technology programs as well as its vibrant campus life.

These institutions contribute to a rich educational landscape in the region, offering various programs and opportunities for students.

Trends in Crime Statistics at James Madison University

The crime statistics at James Madison University from 2013 to 2023 reveal a significant downward trend in recorded offenses. The average rate of recorded incidents per 1,000 students has decreased from 17.72 in 2013 to a mere 8.04 in 2023, reflecting a substantial reduction in campus crime. This decline could be attributed to several factors, including enhanced campus security measures, increased awareness campaigns regarding personal safety, and a more proactive approach in addressing issues like substance abuse and violence.

Notably, the data indicate a decrease in drug-related arrests and alcohol offenses, which suggests that educational initiatives might be resonating with the student body. The drop in violent crimes, such as assault and robbery, aligns with national trends in campus safety, where institutions are increasingly prioritizing safety protocols and mental wellness resources.

However, despite the encouraging trend, the university must continue to implement strategies to maintain and further improve these statistics. The ongoing challenges presented by social dynamics on campus call for vigilance and a commitment to fostering an environment where all students feel safe and supported. Engaging students in safety programs and promoting open dialogue about crime prevention can play a crucial role in maintaining this positive trajectory.

For those interested in understanding how crime rates are calculated, further information is available at this link.