Education at James Madison University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How James Madison University graduates compare to all programs nationally
James Madison University graduates earn $55k, placing them in the 45th percentile of all education masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Education masters's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Madison University | $55,195 | $50,551 | — | — |
| Shenandoah University | $65,767 | $63,604 | — | — |
| University of Mary Washington | $53,665 | $54,651 | — | — |
| Longwood University | $53,052 | $49,293 | — | — |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | $51,723 | $49,444 | — | — |
| Liberty University | $51,093 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $56,157 | — | — | — |
Other Education Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenandoah University Winchester | $36,028 | $65,767 | — |
| University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg | $14,559 | $53,665 | — |
| Longwood University Farmville | $15,200 | $53,052 | — |
| Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond | $16,458 | $51,723 | — |
| Liberty University Lynchburg | $21,222 | $51,093 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At James Madison University, approximately 17% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.