James Madison University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Virginia state aid
Last Updated on January 2, 2026- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~72%
- Middle 50% ACT: 26–31
- Middle 50% SAT: 1210–1370
- Average GPA (HS): Not stated
Source: JMU Admissions “Fast Facts” (most recent published first-year admitted-student profile). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
JMU at a Glance
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/fastfacts.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/pair/ir/common-data-set/index.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/pair/ir/common-data-set/cds2024/cds-2024a.pdf
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/first-year/index.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/dates-and-deadlines.shtml
https://catalog.jmu.edu/content.php?catoid=54&navoid=2892
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid-and-scholarships.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/scholarships/index.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/scholarships/dingledine.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/scholarships/stem.shtml
💰 Cost of Attendance at James Madison University (2025–2026)
These are the direct, billed costs for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus at JMU. Additional expenses like transportation, books, and personal costs are not billed by the university but still factor into aid eligibility.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $14,300 | $31,906 |
| Housing & Meals (On-Campus Average) | $14,212 | $14,212 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $28,512 | $46,118 |
Why only these items? We include the costs you typically pay directly to James Madison University — tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals. JMU’s full Cost of Attendance budget may also include indirect costs like:
- Books & course materials
- Transportation
- Personal / miscellaneous expenses
- Loan fees (if applicable)
📉 Average Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)
JMU’s average net price is approximately $26,000 per year (federal average after grants and scholarships).
This is a helpful reality check — but your number can be much lower (or higher) depending on residency, household income, and scholarship eligibility.
If you want a school-based estimate, start with JMU’s
Cost of Attendance calculator
and learn how net price and the Student Aid Index (SAI) work in our
Net Price & SAI Guide.
JMU publishes separate in-state and out-of-state tuition rates, but it does not describe a broad tuition reciprocity or exchange program for undergraduates (like WUE, MSEP, or Academic Common Market), and no standard nonresident tuition waiver program is listed in the cost materials used for this page.
- Best “savings lever” for nonresidents: competitive scholarships through the Madison Scholarships Hub and department-based awards.
- For Virginia residents: state grants and scholarships can stack with JMU aid (see Virginia state aid).
- Military/veteran benefits: if applicable, confirm current eligibility directly with JMU and the VA.
Reality check: the direct/billed difference between in-state ($28,512) and out-of-state ($46,118) is about $17,606 per year before aid — so nonresident families typically need strong merit/competitive awards, need-based aid (if eligible), or other benefits to close that gap.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at James Madison University
Why is out-of-state tuition so much higher at JMU?
Like most public universities, JMU charges higher tuition to non-residents because Virginia taxpayers subsidize the in-state rate.
That’s why the gap can be significant even before you add books, transportation, and personal costs.
Does JMU participate in WUE, MSEP, Academic Common Market, or a regional tuition exchange?
Not that JMU clearly publishes for undergraduate tuition pricing.
If your student is relying on a reciprocity-style discount, confirm it in writing with JMU before assuming you’ll receive in-state pricing.
What can out-of-state students do to lower the price?
At JMU, the biggest lever is usually scholarships (institutional, Honors, and department-based) plus any need-based aid your family qualifies for.
If your student has a target major (like STEM, education, or business), look closely at major-specific competitive programs and department awards.
Are these numbers the full “Cost of Attendance”?
No — this table shows the direct, billed costs (tuition/fees + housing/meals).
JMU’s full COA budget may include indirect costs like books, transportation, and personal expenses, which affect financial aid eligibility even though you don’t pay them to the university directly.
How accurate is the $26,000 average net price?
It’s a verified federal average across students — useful for setting expectations, but not a quote for your family.
Students with high need and strong scholarship packages can pay far less, while out-of-state students without significant aid may pay more.
If my student lives off campus, does the “direct cost” drop?
Usually, yes — because housing and meal plans aren’t billed by JMU the same way.
But off-campus costs can still be substantial (rent, utilities, food, commuting), and your financial aid budget will still include a housing estimate.
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid-and-scholarships.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/ubo/tuition-and-fees/examples.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/financialaid/calculators/coa.shtml
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at James Madison University
Automatic merit scholarships at JMU are limited. Most institutional awards require use of the Madison Scholarships Hub and are competitive. The scholarship below is one of the few clearly described awards that does not require a separate application once a student is admitted.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Typically Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison Award for Academic Excellence |
≈ 75% of in-state tuition & comprehensive fees (~$10,500–$11,000 per year*) |
Strong academic profile; awarded based on admission review No published GPA or test cutoff* |
No | Yes — up to 4 years (with academic standing) | Admitted students near or above JMU’s mid-50% academic ranges (ACT ~26–31 / SAT ~1210–1370)* |
With admission decision (Early Action: Nov 1 • Regular: Jan 15) |
*GPA/test ranges and dollar values are estimates based on published award descriptions, in-state tuition rates, and recent recipient patterns; actual thresholds and amounts can change by year.
FAQ — Automatic Merit Scholarships at James Madison University
Does JMU offer many automatic merit scholarships?
No. JMU’s automatic merit is limited. The Madison Award for Academic Excellence is one of the few awards clearly described as requiring no separate application.
Most other scholarships are competitive and run through the Madison Scholarships Hub.
Is this award available to out-of-state students?
The award is tied to a percentage of in-state tuition and fees. Out-of-state students may receive it, but it does not convert out-of-state tuition to in-state rates and usually covers only part of the total bill.
Are there published GPA or ACT/SAT cutoffs?
No. JMU does not publish fixed academic thresholds for this award. Students who receive it are typically at or above JMU’s admitted-student mid-50% academic ranges.
Do test scores help if JMU is test-optional?
Possibly. JMU is test-optional, but submitted scores may still be considered.
Because JMU does not clearly publish a superscore policy, families should assume single-test scores unless admissions confirms otherwise.
Do automatic awards stack with competitive scholarships?
Sometimes. In many cases, competitive or departmental scholarships may replace part of automatic merit rather than stack on top of it.
Always review the official aid offer to see how awards interact.
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/scholarships/index.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/first-year/index.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid-and-scholarships.shtml
🏆 Competitive Scholarships at James Madison University (2025–2026)
These are JMU’s highest-impact scholarships and structured programs (Honors, STEM, first-gen/need-based) that can meaningfully reduce your bill. Most other JMU scholarships live inside the Madison Scholarships Hub and are matched after you complete the General Application.
JMU has hundreds of donor and departmental scholarships through the Madison Scholarships Hub. We’re listing the “plan-around-these” awards here — but the Hub General Application is where many students get matched to additional scholarships by major, background, activities, and financial need.
| Scholarship / Program | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas A. Dingledine Scholarship (Honors) | Equivalent to in-state tuition + mandatory fees — $14,700/year for 2025–2026 (up to 4 years) | Incoming first-year students who apply to JMU + the Honors College and meet published minimums (e.g., 3.6 unweighted GPA or 1250 SAT or 27 ACT); separate scholarship application; finalists interview. | Yes (separate scholarship app + interview) | Yes (renewable with ongoing criteria, typically 3.0 GPA + Honors standing) | JMU’s most selective award — applicants with strong academics plus standout leadership, writing, and interview performance | Nov 15 (current published cycle — confirm each year on Dingledine page/Hub) |
| Second Century Scholarship (Designated STEM majors) | 100% in-state tuition + comprehensive fees (based on entry year; up to 4 consecutive years) | Incoming first-year students in designated STEM majors; highly competitive. Published guidance commonly references a ~3.75+ GPA and strong STEM preparation. | Yes (STEM scholarship process) | Yes (up to 4 years with requirements) | STEM applicants with strong academic preparation and clear STEM fit (rigor + performance in math/science) | Priority often Jan 1 (confirm the exact date on JMU’s STEM scholarships page for the current cycle) |
| Jones Scholarship (STEM) | Varies by year (not consistently published) | Students in designated STEM programs; competitive selection through STEM scholarship review | Yes (STEM scholarship process) | Confirm renewal terms for the current cycle | Strong STEM applicants; often selected from the same STEM scholarship applicant pool | See STEM scholarships page for current-year timing (often early Jan) |
| Centennial Scholars Program (First-gen / need-based cohort) | Need-based scholarship package + structured support (amount depends on FAFSA/Pell eligibility) | Virginia residents who are typically Pell-eligible (often first-gen / limited exposure); students are generally invited to apply after meeting screening steps | Yes (program application) | Yes (program-based continuation criteria) | Students who meet the need criteria and show strong follow-through — this is financial support + retention/community support | FAFSA by Feb 1 (current published guidance) + follow the program’s application steps/invitation timing |
| First-Year Need-Based Scholarships (JMU Foundation via Hub) | Need-based institutional awards (amount depends on FAFSA and scholarship selection) | Incoming first-year students who submit the FAFSA and complete the scholarship process in the Hub | Yes (Madison Scholarships Hub General App) | Depends on the scholarship | Students with financial need who complete the General Application early and respond to “recommended” opportunities in the Hub | FAFSA priority date varies (often early Jan–Feb). Confirm the current priority date on JMU Financial Aid / in the Hub. |
| Thomas A. Dingledine Scholarship (Honors) | Equivalent to in-state tuition + mandatory fees — $14,700/year for 2025–2026 (up to 4 years) | Incoming first-year students who apply to JMU + the Honors College and meet published minimums (e.g., 3.6 unweighted GPA or 1250 SAT or 27 ACT); separate scholarship application; finalists interview. | Yes (separate scholarship app + interview) | Yes (renewable with ongoing criteria, typically 3.0 GPA + Honors standing) | JMU’s most selective award — applicants with strong academics plus standout leadership, writing, and interview performance | Nov 15 (current published cycle — confirm each year on Dingledine page/Hub) |
| Second Century Scholarship (Designated STEM majors) | 100% in-state tuition + comprehensive fees (based on entry year; up to 4 consecutive years) | Incoming first-year students in designated STEM majors; highly competitive. Published guidance commonly references a ~3.75+ GPA and strong STEM preparation. | Yes (STEM scholarship process) | Yes (up to 4 years with requirements) | STEM applicants with strong academic preparation and clear STEM fit (rigor + performance in math/science) | Priority often Jan 1 (confirm the exact date on JMU’s STEM scholarships page for the current cycle) |
| Jones Scholarship (STEM) | Varies by year (not consistently published) | Students in designated STEM programs; competitive selection through STEM scholarship review | Yes (STEM scholarship process) | Confirm renewal terms for the current cycle | Strong STEM applicants; often selected from the same STEM scholarship applicant pool | See STEM scholarships page for current-year timing (often early Jan) |
| Centennial Scholars Program (First-gen / need-based cohort) | Need-based scholarship package + structured support (amount depends on FAFSA/Pell eligibility) | Virginia residents who are typically Pell-eligible (often first-gen / limited exposure); students are generally invited to apply after meeting screening steps | Yes (program application) | Yes (program-based continuation criteria) | Students who meet the need criteria and show strong follow-through — this is financial support + retention/community support | FAFSA by Feb 1 (current published guidance) + follow the program’s application steps/invitation timing |
| First-Year Need-Based Scholarships (JMU Foundation via Hub) | Need-based institutional awards (amount depends on FAFSA and scholarship selection) | Incoming first-year students who submit the FAFSA and complete the scholarship process in the Hub | Yes (Madison Scholarships Hub General App) | Depends on the scholarship | Students with financial need who complete the General Application early and respond to “recommended” opportunities in the Hub | FAFSA priority date varies (often early Jan–Feb). Confirm the current priority date on JMU Financial Aid / in the Hub. |
| Teaching Fellows Program (Education pipeline) | Program-based scholarship support (amount not consistently published; tied to program selection) | Incoming first-year students interested in early childhood, elementary, or special education; typically invitation/selection-based | Yes (program selection process) | Usually yes (confirm current renewal terms) | Students with strong teacher-prep interest + fit for the cohort model (academics + service + commitment to education pathway) | Typically aligned to scholarship cycle (check current program details) |
| College of Business Gold Scholars Endowment | Competitive business scholarship (amount not consistently published; varies by award/funding) | Incoming first-year students with a declared College of Business major | Often yes (via Hub matching + any required follow-ups) | Often yes (confirm specific scholarship terms) | Strong business applicants who complete the Hub steps early and meet any major- or resume-based criteria | Typically aligned to scholarship cycle (check Hub prompts) |
| Madison Scholarships Hub (General Application) — “the long tail” | $500–$10,000+/yr is common for donor/departmental awards (some higher; depends on the scholarship) | Most JMU students (incoming + current) can be matched by major, background, leadership, location, and/or need | Yes (General App + any “recommended” follow-ups) | Depends on the specific scholarship | Students who finish the General Application early and then actually complete the extra follow-up items for recommended scholarships | Jan 1–Mar (varies by scholarship; early completion helps) |
Disclaimer: Competitive scholarship details (amounts, renewal, timelines, and stacking rules) can change each year based on funding and applicant pools. Always confirm final terms in the Madison Scholarships Hub and the official award pages.
FAQ — Competitive Scholarships at James Madison University
What’s the #1 step families miss at JMU?
They apply for admission but never complete the Madison Scholarships Hub General Application. JMU uses the Hub to match students to hundreds of donor and departmental awards. Completing it early (and finishing any follow-up items) is the easiest way to get in front of more opportunities.
Do I need the FAFSA for JMU scholarships?
For need-based institutional scholarships, yes — JMU ties need-based consideration to FAFSA filing. The key FAFSA timing
can vary by program (for example, Centennial publishes a Feb 1 FAFSA deadline in current guidance), so confirm the current
priority date on JMU Financial Aid and in the Madison Scholarships Hub.
Are the “big” awards only for in-state students?
Some of JMU’s flagship programs are Virginia-resident and need-based (like Centennial), while others are open more broadly but pay at the in-state tuition-equivalent level (for example, Dingledine and certain STEM awards). If you’re out-of-state, your best strategy is usually to (1) pursue the flagship awards, and (2) maximize Hub-matched departmental/donor scholarships.
How competitive is the Dingledine Scholarship?
Extremely. It’s an in-state tuition-and-fees equivalent award (published as $14,700/year for 2025–2026), requires Honors participation,
a separate scholarship application, and finalist interviews. The current cycle lists a Nov 15 deadline — confirm each year on the official page/Hub.
What should STEM students do if they want Second Century (or other STEM scholarships)?
Start by confirming your major is one of the designated STEM programs, then track the scholarship cycle deadlines (often January 1 for priority). Make sure your application shows real STEM engagement (course rigor + projects + leadership/service connected to STEM).
If JMU is test-optional, do test scores still help with competitive scholarships?
They can — especially for highly competitive programs — but JMU does not consistently publish “score cutoffs” for scholarship winners. If your scores are strong relative to JMU’s admitted ranges, submitting them can strengthen your overall file. If they’re not, focus on grades, rigor, leadership, essays, and the Hub follow-up requirements.
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/scholarships/index.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/scholarships/dingledine.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/scholarships/stem.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/first-gen/centscholars/
https://www.jmu.edu/scholarships/index.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/scholarships/listing.shtml
https://jmu.academicworks.com
https://www.jmu.edu/honors/scholarships/index.shtml
🎓 Honors College & Honors Scholarships at James Madison University
James Madison University offers a selective Honors College for high-achieving students who want smaller classes, priority registration, and access to JMU’s most competitive scholarships. Honors status is also required for consideration for certain flagship awards.
- Admission: Competitive; separate Honors application required
- Typical Profile: ~3.6+ unweighted GPA or ~1250+ SAT / ~27+ ACT*
- Perks: Priority registration, honors advising, smaller classes, research & leadership funding
- Best For: Academically strong students seeking flagship scholarships or enriched academics
| Program / Scholarship | Award Value | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas A. Dingledine Scholarship | In-state tuition & fees (~$14,700/yr) | Honors College applicant; ~3.6+ GPA or ~1250 SAT / ~27 ACT* | Yes (Honors + scholarship app) | Yes — 4 years (3.0 GPA + Honors standing) | One top Honors applicant per year with exceptional academics | Nov 15 (verify annually) |
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on published criteria and past recipients; actual thresholds can change by year.
FAQ — JMU Honors College & Honors Scholarships
Is the Honors College required for scholarships?
No — but some of JMU’s most prestigious awards, including the Dingledine Scholarship, require Honors College participation.
Does Honors automatically come with money?
No. Honors admission itself does not guarantee funding, but it significantly improves access to flagship and competitive scholarships.
Can out-of-state students join Honors?
Yes. Honors admission and Honors-administered scholarships are open to both in-state and out-of-state students, though some awards pay the in-state tuition equivalent.
What do Honors students get besides scholarships?
Priority course registration, smaller seminar-style classes, specialized advising, and access to research, travel, and leadership funding.
What’s the biggest mistake families make with Honors?
Missing the separate Honors application deadline. Students must apply to JMU and the Honors College on time to stay eligible for top awards.
https://www.jmu.edu/honors/
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/scholarships/dingledine.shtml
https://www.jmu.edu/honors/scholarships/incoming-students.shtml
⭐ College Specialty
James Madison University is widely recognized for combining strong academics with hands-on, career-focused learning. Families often notice JMU’s high graduation rates and student satisfaction, but what really sets it apart is how deeply programs are tied to real-world outcomes — internships, licensure, research, and employer pipelines are built directly into the curriculum.
Education & Teacher Preparation — JMU is consistently cited as one of the top teacher-preparation universities in the country. Graduates from JMU’s College of Education are heavily recruited by school districts across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic, and many programs include early classroom placements and guaranteed licensure pathways.
- Health Sciences & Nursing: JMU’s nursing, health sciences, kinesiology, and allied health programs are known for strong clinical placement, modern facilities, and high job placement rates.
- Business (College of Business): AACSB-accredited programs with strengths in accounting, finance, management, and analytics; employers frequently recruit directly from campus.
- STEM & Applied Science: Engineering, computer science, intelligence analysis, and integrated science programs emphasize applied learning, undergraduate research, and employer partnerships.
- Communication, Media & Design: Programs in media arts, journalism, and communication offer portfolio-driven coursework and nationally competitive student media opportunities.
In short, JMU tends to be a great fit for students who want a large public-university experience but still value structure, advising, and clear career pathways built into their major.
🔗 Official James Madison University Links
Use James Madison University’s official resources below to verify admissions requirements, scholarship policies, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for the most current deadlines and award terms.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/index.shtml -
Application Types & Deadlines:
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/dates-deadlines.shtml -
Scholarships & Institutional Aid (Madison Scholarships Hub):
https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/scholarships/index.shtml -
Honors College & Honors Scholarships:
https://www.jmu.edu/honors/index.shtml -
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
https://www.jmu.edu/financialaid/learn/cost-of-attendance-undergrad.shtml -
Net Price Calculator:
https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/jmu -
Admitted Student Profile / Common Data Set:
https://www.jmu.edu/pair/ir/common-data-set/index.shtml