JMU Board of Visitors approves tuition and fees for the 2023-24 academic year

The James Madison University Board of Visitors met on Friday, April 21 and discussed the tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year. 

The JMU Board of Visitors approved the following increases for the 2023-24 academic year:

• A $230 tuition increase to in-state undergraduate students;
• A $384 tuition increase to out-of-state undergraduate students;
• A $16 per credit hour increase for in-state graduate tuition and mandatory auxiliary fee;
• A $21 per credit hour increase for out-of-state graduate tuition and mandatory auxiliary fee; and
• A $254 increase for the undergraduate mandatory auxiliary student fee.

While the Virginia General Assembly has not approved a new 2023-24 state budget, the JMU Board of Visitors approved these increases during the April 21 meeting in order to provide needed information to its students and families. The BOV may revisit the tuition and fees conversation at JMU upon the approval of the state budget. 

“The value of a college degree from James Madison University and return on investment is considerably high,” explains JMU President Jonathan Alger. “Each year as we set tuition, we balance the financial need to cover operational expenses, meet new requirements and maintain a high level of academic excellence, with our commitment to providing affordability and access. In addition, we strive to meet as much of our student’s financial needs as possible through scholarships.”

The increase will support aid for students, help offset increasing operational expenses for the university and support unfunded but required initiatives. 

Towana Moore, vice president for Administration and Finance, presented the budget and tuition recommendations at the April 21 JMU Board of Visitors meeting. 

Out of all 15 Virginia public institutions of higher education, JMU’s in-state tuition is lower than all but four schools. In addition, JMU receives the second lowest financial support on a full-time equivalent per in-state student basis from the state. 

Students and members of the community were invited to provide feedback and a public comment meeting was held on April 5.  

While there was an increase in tuition last year, all in-state undergraduate students received a one-time scholarship to cover the cost of the tuition increase. 

Tuition and mandatory fees are a critical component to the daily operations and level of services provided by the university. With annual fixed costs increasing, in addition to statewide employee compensation increases, the intention of these tuition increases is to offset some of those reoccurring expenses and to maintain the highest level of services offered at JMU.  

JMU continues to be a leader in navigating pathways for student success, academic achievement and post-graduation employment, while remaining an outstanding value with one of the schools with the lowest in-state tuition. 

List of Tuition and Fee Increases for the 2023-24 Academic Year

Tuition & E&G Fees

• Virginia undergraduate students– Annual tuition and E&G fee increase of $230; $115 per semester
• Out-of-state undergraduate students– Annual tuition and E&G fee increase of $384;  $192 per semester
• Virginia graduate students– Tuition and E&G fee increase of $14 per credit hour
• Out-of-state graduate students– Tuition and E&G fee increase of $19 per credit hour

Auxiliary Mandatory Fee

• Virginia and out-of-state undergraduate students– Annual mandatory auxiliary fee increase of $254; $127 per semester
• Virginia and out-of-state graduate students– Mandatory auxiliary fee increase of $2 per credit hour
  

Room & Board Fees

• Virginia and out-of-state students on campus– Annual mandatory room & board fee increase of $540; $270 per semester
  

Summer Session 2024

Tuition & E&G Fees

• Virginia undergraduate students– Tuition and E&G fee increase of $12 per credit hour
• Out-of-state undergraduate students– Tuition and E&G fee increase of $14 per credit
• Virginia graduate students– Tuition and E&G fee increase of $14 per credit hour
• Out-of-state graduate students– Tuition and E&G fee increase of $16 per credit hour
  

Auxiliary Mandatory Fee

• All students– Mandatory auxiliary fee increase of $1 per credit hour
  

 Room & Board Fees

• Virginia and out-of-state students on campus– Room fee increase of $5 and board fee increase of $10

Media contact: Mary-Hope Vass, vassmg@jmu.edu