The Cost of Attendance Calculator can be used to estimate the cost of your program of study.
- Academically Related Activities
Federal regulations prevent students from receiving financial aid for classes unless the student has performed academically related activities.
Academically related activities, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education for this purpose, include but are not limited to:
- physically attending a class where there is an opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and students.
- submitting an academic assignment.
- taking an exam, an interactive tutorial or computer-assisted instruction.
- attending a study group that is assigned by the school or instructor.
- participating in an online discussion about academic matters.
- initiating contact with you, as the instructor, to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course.
- engaging in an online academically related activity or initiating contact with you, the instructor, to ask a course-related question.
Note: Logging into an online class is not sufficient, by itself, to demonstrate participation in an academically related activity by the student.
- Adjusted SAI
The Adjusted SAI (Student Aid Index) is a number used to calculate a student's remaining need. If the Student Aid Index (SAI) is greater than zero, the Adjusted SAI will be equal to the SAI. If the SAI is a negative number, the corresponding Adjusted SAI will be $0. The initial Remaining Need is defined as the Cost of Attendance - Adjusted SAI Because a negative SAI would mathmatically increase a student's Remaining Need, the Adjusted SAI is used to generate an accurate Remaining Need amount.
- Advanced Placement
Advanced work taken in high school and accepted for credit at JMU. All Advanced Placement hours count in the SAP evaluation.
- Aid Year
Aid Year is a designated period during which educational institutions award and disburse financial aid to eligible students. This period typically aligns with the academic year and encompasses the timeframe for processing financial aid applications, determining eligibility, and distributing aid packages to students. At JMU, the Aid Year begins with the summer term and ends with the spring term.
- Audit
Students neither ask for nor receive academic credit for audited classes, usually attending all the sessions but not doing the assignments. Audited (AU) courses do not count toward the calculation of attempted hours.
- Award Notice
Award notices inform students what aid has been offered to them. There are three types of award notices:
- Preliminary
- Sent to prospective students
- Is an estimate based on Cost of Attendance for the previous year
- Is used to compare offers from other schools to help the student with their school choice
- Notification of award availability is sent to student's home email in April
- Official
- Sent to students who have paid their deposit
- Is based on Cost of Attendance for the upcoming year
- Notification of award availability is sent to student's JMU email in June
- Revised
- Sent to students who have a change in their aid package
- Notification is via JMU email
- Preliminary
- Award Offer
Award offers inform students what aid has been offered to them. There are three types of award offers:
- Preliminary
- Sent to prospective students
- Is an estimate based on Cost of Attendance for the previous year
- Is used to compare offers from other schools to help the student with their school choice
- Notification of award availability is sent to student's home email in April
- Official
- Sent to students who have paid their deposit
- Is based on Cost of Attendance for the upcoming year
- Notification of award availability is sent to student's JMU email in June
- Revised
- Sent to students who have a change in their aid package
- Notification is via JMU email
- Preliminary
- Books/Supplies
This is the amount we estimate a student will spend on books and supplies during the academic term.
- Budget Category
The “Regular – Standard Budget” applies to most JMU students.
If a category other than "Regular - Standard Budget" chosen, a list of Special Budgets for that category will be displayed.
- Career
- Select whether you are a continuing education, undergraduate, graduate, doctoral student.
- Centennial Scholarship
The Centennial Scholarship is an award given by JMU. This award is a grant, which does not have to be repaid or accepted on MyMadison. The combination of any grants, scholarships, and the Centennial Scholarship you may receive as an undergraduate student is designed to provide enough funds to pay 100% of your in-state, full-time, tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board costs. Students accepted into the Centennial Scholars Program are eligible for this grant. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Consumer Information to learn more information about this program.
- Cohort Default Rate (CDR)
A cohort default rate is the percentage of a school's borrowers who enter repayment on certain Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program loans during a particular federal fiscal year (FY), October 1 to September 30, and default or meets other specified conditions prior to the end of the second following fiscal year.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
CLEP is a national program of credit by examination that offers students an opportunity to obtain recognition for achievement in specific college courses (Adult Degree Program only). All CLEP hours will count in the SAP evaluation.
- Commonwealth Award
This state grant may be renewed, but it is not automatically renewed. This award is a grant, which does not have to be repaid or accepted on MyMadison. Meeting the March 1st FAFSA priority filing date, being a Virginia resident, and having a qualifying Student Aid Index (SAI) are also critical components of determining a student’s eligibility for this grant. Priority is given to undergraduate students who are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. Funds are limited in this account, so awards will be made as long as funds remain available. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Consumer Information to learn more information about this program.
- Cost of Attendance (COA)
The estimated total cost of attending an institution for one academic year. This amount may include the following:
- Estimated charges for one academic year of tuition and fees
- Tuition – Charges assessed for classes and/or other coursework
- Fees – Charges assessed for other college services (e.g. technology access, recreational center use)
- Housing – Includes residence hall charges for on-campus students or an estimate of rent and utilities for an off-campus student
- Food – Includes the cost of a meal plan and/or an estimate of the costs of food prepared at home
- Estimated transportation and parking costs
- Estimated costs for books and supplies
- Purchase or rental of a computer
- Miscellaneous costs such as personal hygiene, laundry, and reasonable entertainment
- Other costs specific to certain student circumstances related to attendance, such as dependent care during periods of class attendance or study, expenses related to disabilities, study abroad, educational loan fees, and others
- Student health insurance costs
The current Cost of Attendance figures are displayed under the Cost of Attendance section of our website.
- Estimated charges for one academic year of tuition and fees
- Credit by Examination
Credit based upon demonstrated knowledge in a particular discipline as assessed by examination.
- Credit/No Credit
Credit - With the credit/no-credit option, students will receive credit (CR) for courses in which they earned a letter grade of “A” through “C”. A grade of “CR” will not affect your cumulative grade point average, but it will count in the SAP evaluation.
No Credit - With the credit/no-credit option, students will receive no credit (NC) for a grade of “C-” or below. A grade of “NC” will not affect your cumulative grade point average, but it will count in the SAP evaluation.
- Cumulative Hours Earned
Cumulative Hours Earned refers to the total credit hours you have earned as indicated on your transcript.
- Cumulative JMU GPA
Cumulative GPA refers to your grade point average for all coursework completed to date at JMU.
- Default
This occurs when a borrower fails to make several payments on their student loans according to the terms in their MPN. There are many consequences that can result when a loan is defaulted. These include: loan will be turned over to a collection agency, the borrower's credit rating can be harmed; loan payments can be deducted from the borrower's paychecks, the borrower will be ineligible to receive any more federal aid; late fees and collections costs may be added on top of what the borrower already owes; and the borrower can be sued. It is important to avoid default by borrowing as little as possible, making payments on time, and applying for deferment or forbearance if experiencing any financial hardships. References: http://www.finaid.org/loans/default.phtml; https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment
- Deferment
This occurs when a borrower is allowed to postpone repaying a loan for a limited amount of time. Most students choose to defer their loan payments while they are enrolled in school for at least half time. Deferment is not automatic, and the borrower must apply for it. Other reasons for a borrower to be eligible for deferment include: financial hardship, borrower unable to find full-time employment, and active military duty. References: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/lower-payments/get-temporary-relief; http://www.finaid.org/questions/glossary.phtml#d
- Delinquency
A loan is considered delinquent if a borrower fails to make a payment on time. Late fees may be charged if the borrower misses several payments, then the loan will go into default. (NSLDS is a useful tool for keeping track of student loans and can help prevent the borrower from becoming delinquent on a loan.) References: http://www.finaid.org/questions/glossary.phtml#a
- Departmental Exam
The credit by examination option is an alternative to enrolling and successfully completing selected courses. All departmental exam hours count in the SAP evaluation.
- Direct Costs
Expenses the student/family pays to the college.
- Dual Enrollment
Hours completed at the collegiate level while still in high school and accepted for credit at JMU. All dual enrollment hours count in the SAP evaluation.
- Educational Loan
A form of financial aid that must be repaid. Educational loans have varying fees, interest rates, repayment terms, and/or borrower protections.
- Enrollment Level
Level of the degree-granting program in which a student is enrolled. There are three basic levels of enrollment at JMU: undergraduate (students seeking certificate or a baccalaureate degree); graduate (students working on a master's degree or professional degree); and post-graduate, students enrolled in a doctoral program. The amounts and types of financial aid a student is eligible for is determined, in part, by their enrollment level. Undergraduate students are further defined as Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. This designation is determined by the number of credit hours the student has earned at a point in time while working towards an undergraduate degree.
- Enrollment Status
Academic workload (or course load), as defined by the institution, in which a student is enrolled for a defined academic period. This normally relates to the number of credit hours or clock hours taken by a student during a given academic period (e.g. full-time, three-quarter-time, half-time, less-than-half-time). At JMU, undergraduate full-time status = at least 12 credit hours per term, three-quarter time status = 9-11 credit hours per term, and half-time status = 6-8 credit hours per term. Full-time enrollment for graduate students at JMU is at least 9 credit hours per term, while half-time status is 5-8 hours per term. There is no three-quarter time status for graduate students.
- Entrance Counseling for Federal Loans
If you have not previously received a Direct Loan, the Federal Government requires you to complete entrance counseling to ensure that you understand the responsibilities and obligations you are assuming. Entrance counseling is done at studentloans.gov and you can follow the Entrance Counseling for more information.
- Exit Counseling for Federal Loans
Exit counseling provides important information you need to prepare to repay your federal student loan(s).
If you have received a subsidized, unsubsidized or PLUS loan under the Direct Loan Program or the FFEL Program, you must complete exit counseling each time you drop below half-time enrollment, graduate, or leave school. Exit counseling is done at studentloans.gov and you can follow the Exit Counseling for more information.
- Expected Direct Costs
Charges included in the Cost of Attendance that the student/family pays directly to the college.
- FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary application for federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds at JMU (certain scholarships may require additional applications). Students and parents can complete this at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Each year the FAFSA can be completed after January 1st and submitted with estimated income information if you do not have your taxes completed by the March 1st priority filing date. Your FAFSA must be processed by the federal government no later than March 1st in order to be considered an "on-time filer."
- Family Financial Responsibility (FFR)
Many schools award institutional need-based scholarships and grants based upon a more comprehensive calculation of family financial circumstances using information provided on the CSS PROFILE or the institution's own financial aid form. This can result in a higher (or lower) figure than the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) might indicate with its Student Aid Index (SAI).
- Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan
Loan funds provided to graduate students by the U.S. Department of Education, through the school. This federal loan program allows graduate students with no adverse credit history to apply for up to their Cost of Attendance each year, less any other financial aid recieved. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled at least half time in an eligible program of study and first borrow the maximum allowable through the Federal Direct Student Loan program. Repayment of principal and interest begins 30 to 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed with deferment and forbearance options available. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Consumer Information to learn more information about this program.
- Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
Loan funds provided to the parents of dependent undergraduate students by the U.S. Department of Education, through the school. This federal loan program allows parents with no adverse credit history to apply for a loan amount up to the Cost of Attendance each year, less any financial aid received by the dependent student. Repayment of principal and interest begins immediately once the loan is fully disbursed with some options to delay payment available. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Consumer Information to learn more information about this program.
- Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
You must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to establish eligibility. Loan funds provided to the student by the U.S. Department of Education, through the school. Undergraduate students with financial need can qualify for a subsidized loan. The government pays the interest on the loan while the student remains enrolled at least half time and during certain periods when the government allows deferment of repayment. There are annual limits on the amounts that may be borrowed, which vary by the student's academic year in school and the student's dependent or independent status. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Consumer Information to learn more information about this program.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
Loan funds provided to the student by the U.S. Department of Education, through the school. Undergraduate students and graduate students regardless of their need, qualify for an unsubsidized loan, provided they have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Interest accrual begins immediately, and the student can choose to pay the interest while enrolled or upon entering repayment. There are annual limits on the amounts that may be borrowed, which vary by the student's academic year in school and the student's dependent or independent status. You must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to establish eligibility. The maximum amount of the loan is based on your year in school, dependency status, and subsidized loan eligibility. Repayment is deferred for those enrolled at least half-time, but interest accrues. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Consumer Information to learn more information about this program.
- Federal Pell Grant
A federal grant provided by the federal government to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and have an Expected Family Contribution below a certain threshold established by the federal government. The Pell Grant award amount is prorated based on Enrollment Status. Federal Pell Grants do not need to be repaid or accepted on MyMadison. This award may be renewed, but not automatically, each year based on your FAFSA eligibility. Students working on their first bachelor’s degree with a qualifying Student Aid Index (SAI) and who are meeting the general eligibility requirements for Title IV financial aid may be considered for this grant. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Consumer Information to learn more information about this program.
- Federal Student Loan
Federal funds made available to the student that must be paid back by the student. Students must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) to receive these loans. Repayment begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time with options to delay payment available. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program of study.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
A federal grant awarded by the institution to qualified undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. FSEOG does not have to be repaid or accepted on MyMadison. Awards will be made to undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree with a -1500 Student Aid Index (SAI) prior to any other student group. Funds are limited in this account, so awards will be made as long as funds remain available. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Consumer Information to learn more information about this program.
Search for "Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)"
- Federal Work Study
A federal program offered and administered by the institution that provides opportunity for part-time employment to students with financial need to help pay their educational expenses. Students are responsible for finding qualified employment. Funds are paid out through a paycheck, as earned. The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships may award Federal Work Study to eligible students as part of their financial aid package. In addition to establishing financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), eligible students must be degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at least on a half time basis who are maintaining good academic standing. An offer of Federal Work Study does not guarantee employment. For more information visit the Student Employment site. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Consumer Information to learn more information about this program.
- Financial Aid Eligible Hours
Financial Aid Eligible Hours – Students are only eligible to receive financial aid for classes that are needed to fulfill graduation requirements. Financial aid eligible classes are those that:
- Count toward your Degree or General Education requirements
- Are required for your major
- Fulfil your elective hours to attain a minimum of 120 credit hours
- Financial Aid Offer
Financial Aid Offers inform students what aid has been offered to them. There are three types of Financial Aid Offers:
- Preliminary
- Sent to prospective students
- Is an estimate based on Cost of Attendance for the previous year
- Is used to compare offers from other schools to help the student with their school choice
- Notification of award availability is sent to student's home email in April
- Official
- Sent to students who have paid their deposit
- Is based on Cost of Attendance for the upcoming year
- Notification of award availability is sent to student's JMU email in June
- Revised
- Sent to students who have a change in their aid package
- Notification is via JMU email
- Preliminary
- Fiscal Year Shutdown
JMU's fiscal year runs from July 1st - June 30th. Every summer JMU implements a "disbursement freeze" around the middle of June until shortly after July 1st to reconcile the current business year and open processing for the next. We are unable to disburse any financial aid funds during the reconciliation period. Additionally, the University Business Office is unable to generate any refunds during this period.
As a result of this, it is possible for some summer school students not to receive their financial aid disbursements or refunds until sometime in July or August. This is not a new process, but something JMU experiences every summer. As in prior summers, we will process your financial aid as quickly as possible, but please be aware there may be some unavoidable delays due to the fiscal year reconciliation process.
- Forbearance
This occurs when your lender temporarily allows the borrower to reduce or postpone loan payments. Interest does continue to accrue during forbearance and the borrower will be responsible for paying interest during the forbearance period. Forbearances are not granted automatically, for the borrower must apply for forbearance and provide proof of financial difficulty and/or unusual circumstances in which the borrower does not qualify for deferment. Reference: http://www.finaid.org/loans/default.phtml
- FSA ID
An FSA ID gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and allows you to log into FAFSA and studentaid.gov and enter, view, and update your FAFSA information. Students and parents both need a FSA ID in order to enter their FAFSA information. For more information visit studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create
- Gift Aid
Funds awarded to the student that do not have to be repaid, unless the student fails to meet certain criteria, such as a service requirement that is specified as a condition of the gift aid or not completing the period for which the aid was awarded. Gift aid can include awards with titles such as grants, scholarships, remissions, awards, waivers, etc. Gift aid can be awarded based upon many factors, including (but not limited to) financial need, academic excellence, athletic, musical, and/or theatrical talent, affiliation with various groups, and/or career aspirations.
- Grade Point Average
SAP policy states that a student must maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) to be eligible for financial aid. The required cumulative GPA varies based on the number of GPA hours attempted.
- Grant
Gift Aid that is typically based on financial need. Grants do not need to be repaid.
- Incomplete
- Undergraduate Students: A grade issued for a course in which you have not completed the necessary course work. Incompletes count in the evaluation of pace and maximum time, but not in the GPA calculation.
- Graduate Students: A grade issued for a class in which you have not completed the necessary course work.
- Indirect Costs
Estimated expenses in the Cost of Attendance that are not paid directly to the institution. Expenses the student/family may pay to a third party (merchant, landlord, etc.) other than the college.
- International Baccalaureate
Credit hours awarded for each International Baccalaureate higher-level examination with a score of five, six, or seven. All IB hours count in the SAP evaluation.
- Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG)
A federal grant to qualifying students with a parent or guardian who died as a result of U.S. military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. If a student is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, he or she cannot receive an IASG.
- JMU Attempted Hours
JMU Attempted Hours refers to the total credit hours you have attempted at JMU, which count toward your GPA.
- JMU Grant
The JMU Grant is awarded to students who qualify for a Commonwealth Award when no Commonwealth funds are available. This occurs when there is a shortfall in the funding JMU receives from the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a result, JMU awards a JMU Grant to replace the Commonwealth Award. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Consumer Information to learn more information about this program.
- Living Arrangements
- This applies to where you are living, not where your classes are being taught.
- Loan Fee
The average up-front origination and/or default fees associated with loans. Your fees could be more or less depending on your loans.
- Master Promissory Note (MPN)
The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Max Time
SAP policy states that financial aid can only be provided to students with less than 151 credit hours attempted.
- National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education's central database for student aid. It receives data from schools, agencies that guaranty loans, the Direct Loan program, the Pell Grant program, and other U.S. Department of Education programs. References: https://nslds.ed.gov/nslds/nslds_SA/
- Need
The student's Cost of Attendance minus their Expected Family Contribution, or Family Financial Responsibility (if applicable).
- Net Cost
Most student loans have up-front origination and/or default fees associated with loans. The figure provided here is an average for these fees. Your fees could be more or less depending on your loans.
- Net Price
Amount of direct and indirect costs remaining after all Gift Aid is applied. Net price can be covered through a variety of sources, including: savings, income, and education loans. The Net Price is an estimate of the "Out of Pocket" costs for attending James Madison University. The estimate is calculated by subtracting all Grant and Scholarship aid from the standard Cost of Attendance.
- Out of Pocket Costs
Difference between the cost of attendance and all gift aid. Out of pocket cost can be covered through a variety of sources, including savings, income and educational loans.
- Pace
The Satisfactory Academic Progress policy requires students to pass a minimum of 67% of their attempted hours. This calculation is performed by dividing the number of credit hours earned by the number of pace/maximum time credit hours attempted.
- Program
The “Regular – Standard Program” applies to most JMU programs.
Other programs with different charges will appear in this field if you selected the Summer Only, Fall Only, or Spring Only term.
- Pell Census Date
Each term has a Pell Grant Census Date, which usually coincides with the last day of the terms regular (first block) add/drop period. The student's enrollment level on the Pell Grant Census Date determines Pell Grant eligibility for the term. Adding classes after this date will not increase Pell Grant eligibility. You can see this explained in our Terms and Conditions.
- Personal Costs
This is the amount we estimate a student will spend on items such as telephone service, internet connections, laundry and household items, personal hygiene items, clothing, recreation, and out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses during the school year.
- Private/Alternative Loan
A student or parent loan from a commercial, state-affiliated or institutional lender used to pay for up to the annual Cost of Attendance, less any financial aid received. Private loans have varying interest rates, fees and repayment options and usually require the applicant to be creditworthy, or have a creditworthy cosigner. Repayment generally begins immediately. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Consumer Information to learn more information about this program.
- Program Level
Level of the degree-granting program in which a student is enrolled. Program levels may include: undergraduate (students seeking an associate degree, an undergraduate certificate, or a baccalaureate degree); post-baccalaureate (such as teacher certification); or graduate (students working on a master's degree, graduate certificate, doctorate, or professional degree). The amounts and types of financial aid for which a student is eligible is determined, in part, by their program level.
- Remaining Charges
This is the estimated amount you will owe after subtracting all forms of free money you may be eligible to receive. This does not account for any loans you may accept to help cover these costs. A negative number in parentheses indicates that the aid package exceeds the JMU direct bill items, a situation which would result in a refund to the borrower. This estimation is NOT an official bill from JMU. Official bills are generated from the University Business Office.
- Repeat
A student may repeat a course.
- Repeat/Credit
A student may repeat a course for a better grade. When you select this option, all attempted hours count in the SAP evaluation.
- Repeat/Forgiveness
JMU will only count the grade and credits earned in your most recent attempt, regardless of whether the previous course grade was higher or lower. All repeat attempts count in the SAP evaluation of pace and maximum time. Only the most recent attempt counts in the GPA evaluation
- Residency
Select “Virginian” if you are being charged in-state tuition and fee rates.
Select “Non Virginian” if you are being charged out-of-state tuition and rates.
- Room/Board
This figure is based on the Room/Board rates set by the JMU Board of Visitors.
- SAP
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is defined as the successful completion of coursework toward an eligible certificate or degree. Federal regulations require the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to monitor the academic progress of students receiving financial aid in the areas of GPA, Pace and Maximum Time.
- Satisfactory Academic Progress
See SAP
- Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Satisfactory – Students will receive a grade of satisfactory (S) for successful completion of a course. A grade of “S” will not affect a student’s cumulative grade point average, but it will count in the SAP evaluation.
Unsatisfactory – Students will receive a grade of unsatisfactory (U) for unsuccessful completion of a course. A grade of “U” will not affect a student’s cumulative grade point average, but it will count in the SAP evaluation.
- Scholarship
Gift Aid that is typically based on merit, such as, academic excellence, talent, affiliation with various groups, or career aspirations or a combination of merit and need.
References: https://www.jmu.edu/scholarships
- Self Help
An institution's expectation that a student contribute toward their education using a combination of loans, student employment such as Federal Work-Study, and/or summer savings.
- Special Budget
Choose the Special Budget that matches your semester or short term program.
- Student Aid Index (SAI)
- An eligibility index that college financial aid staff use to determine how much financial aid you would receive if you were to attend their school. The SAI is calculated according to a formula specified in law and is based upon the information provided by the student and their family on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Student Loan
Funds awarded to the student that must eventually be paid back to the lender by the student.
- Summer Weeks
Enter the number of weeks you will be enrolled during the summer term.
- Term
The “Two Semesters (Fall and Spring)” selection will display the standard full-time Cost of Attendance for the majority of JMU programs.
Select the Summer Only, Fall Only, or Spring Only term if you are in a program that has special charges. A list of those programs will appear in new fields once that is done.
If you will be enrolled less than full-time in any term, select the Summer Only, Fall Only and Spring Only option and you will be prompted to indicate your Enrollment Status for that term.
- Test Credit Hours
This term refers to receipt of college credit for completion of advanced coursework in high school. The student will need to report these Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) hours on the credit hour worksheet.
- Total Aid Package
The Total Aid Package is the total of all estimated aid. This includes grants, scholarships, loans and federal work study.
- Transfer Credit
A limited number of hours completed at another school and accepted for credit at JMU. Also, this may include hours transferred within JMU from another program.
- Transfer/Transfer Equivalent
Transfer - Hours completed at another school and accepted for credit at JMU. All transferred hours count in the SAP evaluation.
Transfer Equivalent - Under this policy, the student’s new GPA will initially be that earned in the 12 hours taken upon re-entry. Students will receive credit for only those courses in which they earned a grade of "C" or better prior to readmission. All attempted hours count in the SAP evaluation, including those excluded under the transfer equivalent option.
- Travel
This is the amount we estimate a student will spend on items such as gasoline, vehicle maintenance and insurance, decals and inspections, and parking during the school year.
- Tuition
This figure is based on the tuition rates set by the JMU Board of Visitors.
- University Charges
This figure is based on the full-time tuition charges, as set by the JMU Board of Visitors.
- University Grant - In State
You qualify for a Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) award, but due to a shortfall in the funding JMU received from the Commonwealth of Virginia and an increase in the number of students eligible for this grant, there are no funds available to provide this award to you. As a result, JMU is awarding you this University Grant to replace the VGAP award. In most cases, this award is a dollar for dollar replacement of the VGAP award. While the VGAP formula is used to determine the dollar amount, there is no requirement that this award be used for tuition/fees and books only. It may be used for any qualifying educationally related expenses. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Consumer Information to learn more information about this program.
- University Grant - Professional Judgement
This University Grant may be awarded based on a variety of reasons that are determined annually based on the needs of the student body. This award is a grant, which does not have to be repaid or accepted on MyMadison. Funds are limited in this account, so awards will be made as long as funds remain available. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Consumer Information to learn more information about this program.
- Unmet Need
The student's Cost of Attendance, minus their Expected Family Contribution or Family Financial Responsibility (if applicable), less any need-based aid received, such as Gift Aid, Federal Work Study or Federal Direct Subsidized Loans.
- Verification
A federally mandated process to confirm the accuracy of data provided by selected applicants on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To complete the verification process, the student, their parent(s), or spouse, if applicable, are required to provide certain documents to the school for review. If the documentation the student provides the institution doesn't match what was reported on the FAFSA, verification can result in changes to the student's financial aid eligibility, and/or financial aid offers.
- Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)
This undergraduate state grant may be renewed, but it is not automatically renewed. This award is a grant that does not have to be repaid or accepted on MyMadison and you may not receive it for more than eight semesters. To remain eligible for this state grant, you must be a Virginia resident, be pursuing your first bachelor’s degree, maintain continuous full-time enrollment in the fall and spring semesters, keep a 2.0 cumulative GPA, pass at least 24 hours each year, have a qualifying Student Aid Index (SAI), meet the March 1st FAFSA priority filing date, and meet the general eligibility requirements for aid as defined by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). Students must also advance class levels before being considered for a renewal award (VGAP is restricted to no more than award per class level - freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior). Funds are limited in this account, so awards will be made as long as funds remain available. Please visit Terms and Conditions - Consumer Information to learn more information about this program.
- Withdrawal
Undergraduate Students
- While Passing: When you withdraw from a course, you terminate your enrollment after the drop deadline. A withdrawal results in a grade of "W" on your transcript. All withdrawn hours count as attempts in evaluating pace and maximum time, but not GPA.
- While Failing: Grade assigned to students who withdraw after the course adjustment deadline at the discretion of the instructor. A “WF” grade indicates the student was failing at the time of withdrawal. All withdrawn hours count as attempts in evaluating pace and maximum time, but not GPA.
Graduate Students
- While Passing: When you withdraw from a course, you terminate your enrollment after the add/drop deadline, but before the course adjustment deadline. A withdrawal results in a grade of "W" on your transcript.
- While Failing: Grade assigned to students who withdraw after the course adjustment deadline at the discretion of the instructor. A “WF” grade indicates the student was failing at the time of withdrawal.
Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Summer Hours of Operation:
Mon - Thur 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fri 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
