James Madison University
- 4 Year
- HARRISONBURG, VA
CollegeGrad School
James Madison University
- grade A minusOverall Grade
- 4 Year
- HARRISONBURG, VA
- Rating 3.85 out of 5 3,232 reviews
Report Card
- Academicsgrade B
- Valuegrade A minus
- Diversitygrade B+
- Campusgrade A+
- Athleticsgrade A minus
- Party Scenegrade A+
- Professorsgrade B
- Locationgrade B+
- Dormsgrade A minus
- Campus Foodgrade A+
- Student Lifegrade A+
- Safetygrade B
About
Athletic Division
FBS
Athletic Conference
Sun Belt Conference
From James Madison University
At James Madison University, we do it differently. We pride ourselves on an unprecedented academic exploration that is heavy on learning by doing. Our approachable faculty have the gift of engaging students in ways that lead to meaningful intellectual breakthroughs. Our students are challenged and supported. The Madison Experience includes a beautiful campus and surrounding area, vibrant outside-the-classroom experiences and lifelong friendships. There is always something to do here. From professors who care to classmates who are hungry to learn, life at JMU changes our students for the better. Better learning. Better careers. Better lives.
Upcoming Events
James Madison University Rankings
Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
Admissions
Application Deadline
January 15
Acceptance Rate
78%
SAT Range
1140-1320
ACT Range
23-29
Application Fee
$70
SAT/ACT
Considered but not required
High School GPA
Required
Accepts Common App
Yes
Will You Get In?
Will You Get Into JMU?
Test Scores and High School GPA for James Madison University See Other Colleges
Cost
Net Price
$18,274 / year
National
$15,523Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Average Total Aid Awarded
$10,081 / year
National
$7,535Students Receiving Financial Aid
58%
Scholarship
Academics
Professors
grade B
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
16:1
Evening Degree Programs
No
83%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes. 165 responses44%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want. 226 responses61%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage. 226 responsesMajors
Most Popular Majors
- Community Health Services and Counseling504 Graduates
- Communications433 Graduates
- Liberal Arts and Humanities356 Graduates
- Information Science278 Graduates
- Nursing254 Graduates
- Psychology240 Graduates
- Biology226 Graduates
- Business176 Graduates
- Marketing174 Graduates
- Sport and Fitness Management170 Graduates
ISAT: Creative Problem-Solving
One of JMU’s shining stars, Integrated Science and Technology combines multiple scientific areas into an exciting hands-on, integrated program designed just for you. In this practical and meaningful approach, examples include learning biology by exploring how the pandemic spread or delving into chemistry to grasp how climate change is altering ocean chemistry.
Online
Programs Offered Entirely Online
0
Offers Online Courses
Yes
Online Certificate Programs
0
Online Associates Programs
0
Online Bachelor's Programs
0
Students
Full-Time Enrollment
18,937 Undergrads
Part-Time Undergrads
1,409
Undergrads Over 25
2%
Pell Grant
15%
Varsity Athletes
3%
Campus Life
Freshmen Live On-Campus
No data available
Poll
55%
of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join. 280 responsesPoll
50%
of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life. 312 responsesAfter College
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$56,600 / year
National
$33,028Graduation Rate
81%
National
49%Employed 2 Years After Graduation
96%
National
83%91%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation. 115 responsesJames Madison University Reviews
Rating 3.85 out of 5 3,232 reviews
I had a great experience at JMU. I was a kinesiology major and all the professors were amazing! definitely felt cared for by my professors and they were always willing to take the time to answer my many questions. As for general education professors, they could be hit or miss, but overall very attentive to the student's education. I was never into the party scene, but that is big here with greek and non-greek life. There is always a party going on, if you are into that, and other campus events on the weekends or club events. Sports are getting bigger here since we have entered the Sunbelt league. Once you find the right community, this place will feel like home. Whether that is a club you join, academic peers, or an outside community, there is something for everyone. I started at JMU the year before COVID hit, so I was all in-person and then all online. Now with things back to normal, it is all in person, but they give access to recordings for extra studying, which is nice.
I loved the community and genuine care for one another, evident through the love for service and volunteering. At first it is definitely overwhelming going to such a large university, but after a semester or two you could always find a familiar face on campus. There is such spirit and pride especially with the recent success and national attention for the atheltics programs. I've even been across the country in a JMU sweatshirt and had someone yell "Go Dukes" at me! Getting involved is the key to the JMU experience, almost every person I knew was in 1-4 student organizations. Personally I loved that we were only required to live on campus for the first year because going off was so much cheaper, gave us more space, and really contributed to feeling independent in the upperclassmen years. Learning the bus system is a must because parking is a beast and it can take 15-30 minutes (walking) to get between campus buildings. Overall loved my time at JMU and will be a proud Duke for life.
James Madison University provided me with a well rounded and wholesome college experience. It is such a large and welcoming community, so there is genuinely something for almost anyone. There are over 400 clubs to get involved in ranging from Greek life to board game club! JMU is also a very academic school. The course work is challenging and the professors/academic staff are always willing to help you reach your academic goals and provide opportunities for research and/or field experience. The only downside to JMU is the lack of diversity. It is a predominately white school, but they do provide safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students and Students of Color. The city of Harrisonburg in which JMU is located is only a short walk from campus and is filled with local restaurants and businesses that often provide discounts to students. JMU is an overall great school with lots of opportunities for those who are willing to seek them out!