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Harrisonburg, Virginia · Public, city campus

James Madison University SAT & ACT scores

Enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% of about 1170-1340. Their ACT composite middle 50% was 24-29. James Madison University admitted 72% of applicants and considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional).

SAT middle 50%
1170-1340
ACT middle 50%
24-29
Acceptance rate
72%
Test policy, fall 2024
Test-optional
Undergraduates
20,888

Quick answer

What SAT score do you need for James Madison University?

There is no published minimum. Aim for 1340 or higher to sit in the top quarter of James Madison University's SAT submitters; 1170 marks the bottom quarter. Its SAT midpoint is higher than at 68% of the 902 colleges in this directory that report SAT scores.

Score check

Where does your score land at James Madison University?

The middle 50% describes enrolled students who chose to submit scores, so test-optional colleges can show higher ranges than their full class. Scores are one part of an application.

Fall 2024 entering class

James Madison University SAT and ACT score ranges

Score percentiles of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores
Measure25th percentile50th percentile75th percentile
SAT Reading and Writing600640680
SAT Math570610660
SAT total (estimated)117012501340
ACT composite242729

The two sections are balanced: the top quarter starts at 680 in Reading and Writing and 660 in Math, and neither section's middle 50% spans more than 90 points.

College Scorecard's SAT-equivalent average for admitted students is 1256.

Testing policy

Does James Madison University require the SAT or ACT?

Reported for fall 2024: Test-optional

James Madison University told the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional) for students entering in fall 2024.

Check the current cycle

Many colleges have changed testing rules since 2024, and several now require scores again. Confirm the policy for your application year on James Madison University's website before deciding whether to submit.

Beyond scores

Cost and outcomes at James Madison University

In-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
$14,250
Out-of-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
$31,604
Average net price after aid (2023-24)
$23,322
First-year retention rate
92%
Graduation rate within 6 years
80%
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$69,954

Compare

Colleges with similar score ranges

University of HoustonTX · SAT 1160-1340Iowa State UniversityIA · SAT 1120-1360University of North Carolina at CharlotteNC · SAT 1140-1330Texas Christian UniversityTX · SAT 1140-1350State University of New York at New PaltzNY · SAT 1170-1340Salisbury UniversityMD · SAT 1180-1320

Similar colleges in Virginia

University of Mary WashingtonSAT 1170-1370George Mason UniversitySAT 1160-1360Hollins UniversitySAT 1150-1340Old Dominion UniversitySAT 1100-1280Roanoke CollegeSAT 1090-1300Virginia Military InstituteSAT 1050-1270

Browse all Virginia colleges by SAT score, colleges for a 1150 SAT or a 1350 SAT, or colleges for a 24 ACT.

Plan your prep

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What is a good SAT score?Build your SAT study planSAT section-score goal plannerScore Choice and superscoring

FAQ

James Madison University admissions questions

What SAT score do you need to get into James Madison University?

James Madison University does not publish a minimum SAT score. Among enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024, the middle 50% scored between 1170 and 1340 (estimated from section scores). A score of 1340 or higher would place you in the top quarter of that group; 1170 marks the bottom quarter.

What ACT score do you need for James Madison University?

Enrolled first-year students who submitted ACT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% composite of 24 to 29, with a median of 27. Scoring 29 or above puts you in the top quarter of submitters.

Does James Madison University require the SAT or ACT?

For fall 2024 entry, James Madison University reported to the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional). Testing policies have changed at many colleges since then, so confirm the current policy on James Madison University's admissions website before you apply.

What is James Madison University's acceptance rate?

James Madison University admitted 72% of applicants for fall 2024, according to data it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from

Test scores: 25th, 50th and 75th percentile SAT section scores and ACT composites of first-time students who enrolled in fall 2024 and submitted scores, as each college reported to IPEDS. Composite SAT ranges add the two section percentiles, so they are an estimate of the true composite range.

Admissions and test policy: Fall 2024 entering class, reported to IPEDS in 2024-25. Policies change; check each college's admissions site before applying.

Cost and outcomes: tuition for academic year 2024-25; average net price for academic year 2023-24; graduation rate for first-time, full-time students who started in 2018-19, graduating within 150% of normal time (6 years for a bachelor's degree); median earnings 10 years after entry, measured in 2020 and 2021, in 2022 dollars.

Coverage: colleges currently operating that reported SAT or ACT ranges and enrolled at least 500 undergraduates. Data released 2026-06-10, retrieved 2026-10-05. Spot an error? Email [email protected].