Money counts JMU among nation’s best colleges

James Madison University is on Money’s The Best Colleges in America list for 2026.

The company evaluated 735 top four-year colleges nationwide on 25 metrics, including graduation rates, costs, financial aid, student debt and alumni salaries. The goal of the list is to help families find schools that deliver strong value.

“There isn’t one ‘best’ college for every student,” Money’s website explains, “but our star ratings can help you build a list of standout schools.”

Money praises JMU for its small-campus atmosphere that delivers a big impact for students. “Although James Madison has about 21,000 undergraduates, nearly 90% of classes have fewer than 50 students in them and almost all classes are taught by [professionals],” the site states. “Eight in 10 undergrads do research, an internship or student teaching before graduation.”

In its methodology, Money rates its best colleges according to quality of education and outcomes, which each account for 30% of a college’s rating, and affordability, which counts for 40%. Each school’s profile lists how it measures across various categories, such as student outcomes.

Among JMU’s student outcomes, Money praises JMU for having an 81% graduation rate and a median earning of $48,545 for recent graduates, with 83% of Dukes earning more than a high-school graduate.

“Civic engagement and community service are integral to campus culture at James Madison University, stemming back to the 1986 launch of an initiative promoting service learning,” the website states. “The college has strong offerings in visual and performing arts, as well as in the social sciences. Health-related programs, business and communications are among the most popular majors.”

JMU rated among the top third of 2,400 four-year and nonprofit colleges around the country that Money considered for this year’s list.

Subsequently, the company also includes JMU among its Best Public Colleges, placing the university in the top 25% of Money’s 2026-27 list of Best Colleges, and the Best Colleges in the South.

“The South is home to some of the biggest public universities in the country as well as a few of the most prestigious private colleges,” the site says, and JMU is among “the top in the region.”

“At JMU, our students graduate with more than a degree,” said JMU President Jim Schmidt. “They leave ready to contribute on day one as engaged citizens, strong teammates and capable professionals. This recognition reflects the extraordinary care our faculty and staff bring to their work every day and our commitment to delivering lasting value for students and families.”