Accounting at James Madison University

James Madison University's accounting program punches above its weight in a competitive Virginia market. Starting at $71,563, graduates earn 34% more than the typical Virginia accounting grad and land in the top 5% nationally—matching elite programs like University of Richmond despite JMU's 76% admission rate and more accessible profile.

The $22,484 in median debt is manageable, translating to a 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio that keeps monthly payments reasonable from day one. While debt sits slightly higher than the national median (31st percentile), the strong earnings offset any concern. Four years out, graduates see steady income growth to $81,138, keeping pace with Washington and Lee's private school outcomes at a fraction of the cost.

Among Virginia's 32 accounting programs, JMU ranks in the 80th percentile—only the state's most selective private universities consistently outperform it. For families weighing in-state options, this program delivers Big Four accounting firm placement and CPA prep without the premium price tag of Richmond or the engineering-school atmosphere of Virginia Tech. The numbers suggest JMU has cracked the code on accounting education: rigorous preparation that employers value, without loading students with excessive debt.