James Madison University: what international applicants need

What are James Madison University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

James Madison University has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Action on November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on January 15, 2027.

• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is James Madison University's acceptance rate?

71.5% for students who started in fall 2024: James Madison University admitted 27,482 of its 38,428 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does James Madison University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. James Madison University is test-optional for 2026–27: you decide whether to send SAT or ACT scores.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Action deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (January 15, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for James Madison University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 570–660 in Math and 600–680 in Reading and Writing (14% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 24–29.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is James Madison University's application fee for international students?

James Madison University's application fee is $70 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does James Madison University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. James Madison University accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does James Madison University accept?

James Madison University doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does James Madison University require?

James Madison University doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does James Madison University require the Common App personal essay?

No. James Madison University doesn't require the Common App personal essay for 2026–27, though you can still send it: the Common App lets you submit it to any university.

• It also asks for a portfolio, for some programs or for all applicants: check its site.

How many international students does James Madison University have?

154 of James Madison University's 20,973 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 0.7%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does James Madison University cost for international students?

James Madison University is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $31,604 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $14,250). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $13,056. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $50,630 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source