Science, Technology and Society at James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
59
Optimistic
59
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $54,235/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (25% exposed)
Job Market Medium (22,000 openings/yr)
ROI 12.8x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 11 Science, Technology and Society programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Science, Technology and Society graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $706K $696K $645K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.0x 12.8x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.7x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 59 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,304
Out-of-state: $123,160 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$87,264
-61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,784
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$80,699
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $54,235 per year, Science, Technology and Society graduates from James Madison University earn slightly above the $49,207 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Science, Technology and Society programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Science, Technology and Society's typical career paths, with 25% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $22,784 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #2 of 11 nationally, this is a top-5% Science, Technology and Society program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $54,235 to $80,699 over five years — a 49% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About James Madison University

With 76% of applicants admitted, James Madison University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 20,497 students in Harrisonburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at James Madison University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Science, Technology and Society at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Science, Technology and Society at James Madison University?
A score of 59/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Science, Technology and Society field.
What makes James Madison University's Science, Technology and Society program stand out?
Ranked #2 of 11 programs nationally, James Madison University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →