New state support helps JMU roll back in-state tuition increase

Thanks to an influx of support from Richmond for the coming academic year, the James Madison University Board of Visitors voted to roll back a planned tuition increase on in-state students for the 2019-20 academic year. The board had previously decided to increase tuition by $1,000 on the incoming Class of 2023 as part of the new Madison Pledge. Today’s vote postpones that increase and keeps tuition for in-state students as it was for the 2018-19 academic year.

The board’s decision is the result of a $52.4 million appropriation by the General Assembly and governor to address in-state undergraduate affordability by allowing institutions to maintain tuition at the 2018-19 levels. JMU’s share of the appropriation is $6.1 million. This is an ongoing appropriation that will be included in future allocations from Richmond.

“We are pleased to partner with the policymakers in Richmond to provide this much needed respite from tuition increases for JMU’s current and future students and families,” says JMU President Jonathan Alger. “The commonwealth’s investment in higher education comes at a critical time as JMU continues to respond to the academic needs of our region. These new resources will allow us to continue to do so without placing an undue burden on our students’ budgets.”

The $6.1 million appropriation will help JMU address a number of increased expenses for the coming academic year. These increased expenses include a number that are mandated by the commonwealth but also expenses associated with delivering on the university’s mission. These expenses include faculty and staff compensation increases, new facilities operation and maintenance costs, scholarships and financial aid, maintaining faculty-to-student ratios and strategic initiatives.

“This is the first time in almost two decades that JMU has been in a position to hold the line on tuition,” says Charlie King, senior vice president for administration and finance. “With rising costs and a growing university, we have always done our best to find the balance between increasing tuition and maintaining affordability. The board’s decision today will go a long way to addressing college affordability not just this year but for years to come. We look forward to working with the General Assembly and the governor in the future to continuing this trend.”

The tuition moderation appropriation does not apply to out-of-state students. By law, JMU and other state institutions must charge out-of-state students at least 100 percent of the cost of attending the university. Given the university’s concern with maintaining access and affordability for all students, the Board of Visitors voted to hold the tuition increase on out-of-state students to $500 for 2019-20. Additionally, the comprehensive fee will increase by $190 for all students. The comprehensive fee goes to pay for student services such as the university health center, bus system, university recreation and admittance to athletic events among other services. 

FY 2019-20 Undergraduate Tuition & Fees – Freshmen and Sophomores

FY 2019-20 Undergraduate Tuition & Fees – Juniors and Seniors

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