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Founded in 1908, James Madison University. is a Public college. Located in Virginia, which is a city setting in Virginia, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 19,548 full time undergraduate students, and 1,722 full time graduate students.
The James Madison University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 16:1. There are 1028 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at James Madison University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
72%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
70
SAT Range
1030-1220
ACT Range
22-27
Admissions at JMU are considered Selective, with ,183% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 21 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
98% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 44% were in the top quarter, and 28% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at James Madison University.
5%
“We”re apathetic”
32%
“We know about current events and vote”
56%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
6%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
22%
“Sometimes, but not often”
53%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
23%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
2%
“I only go out in groups”
30%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
68%
“I feel extremely safe”
1%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
32%
“We bought the gear”
67%
“We live for the big game”
2%
“It”s not really our thing”
18%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
63%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
16%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
70%
“They keep regular office hours”
26%
“They”re always available”
4%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
34%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
60%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
2%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
2%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
4%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
37%
“We only party on weekends”
58%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
7%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
57%
“There might be people who do”
34%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
2%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
5%
“We”re apathetic”
32%
“We know about current events and vote”
56%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
6%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
22%
“Sometimes, but not often”
53%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
23%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
2%
“I only go out in groups”
30%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
68%
“I feel extremely safe”
1%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
32%
“We bought the gear”
67%
“We live for the big game”
2%
“It”s not really our thing”
18%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
63%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
16%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
70%
“They keep regular office hours”
26%
“They”re always available”
4%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
34%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
60%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
2%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
274 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
169 Students rated off-campus housing 4.1 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
299 Students rated campus food 4.6 stars. 71 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
298 Students rated campus facilities 4.5 stars. 57 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
297 Students rated class size 4.1 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
297 Students rated school activities 4.5 stars. 62 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
299 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
298 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.
James Madison University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of James Madison University?
112 Students rated James Madison University
Thomas
Prospective04/16/2025
I chose James Madison University because it offers the perfect balance between academic excellence, personal growth, and community. When I visited campus for the fall open house, I immediately felt at home. The stunning views of the mountains and the warm, welcoming atmosphere stood out to me, but it was the people—students and faculty alike—who truly made an impact. Speaking with members of the Computer Science department and attending Isaac Wang’s presentation solidified my belief that JMU is where I belong. His enthusiasm, especially when talking about the five-year master's partnership with Virginia Tech, inspired me and showed me what’s possible when you're part of a supportive and forward-thinking academic community.
JMU’s commitment to both STEM and the liberal arts is incredibly important to me. While I plan to major in Computer Science, creative writing is one of my greatest passions, and JMU’s flexible academic environment encourages me to pursue both. This rare combination will allow me to become a more well-rounded student and a more creative developer as I work toward my dream of joining the video game industry. In addition, there are clubs at JMU that will not only help me sharpen the technical and creative skills I’ll need for my future career but also allow me to form meaningful connections with peers who share similar interests.
Since applying, I’ve continued to push myself—placing second in an FBLA competition for Computer Simulation Programming, growing my game design portfolio through Game Jams, and earning recognition as “Student of the Quarter.” These experiences have only deepened my excitement to bring my passion and energy to JMU.
As a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan, I’ve always bled purple—but now I’m ready to do it as a Duke.
Chloe
Prospective04/11/2025
I'm interested in James Madison University because of its strong academics, supportive community, and vibrant campus life. JMU stands out for its hands-on learning approach and welcoming environment, which I believe will help me grow both personally and professional. I'm especially drawn to the Studio Arts program, known for blending classroom learning with real-world experience. The school's spirit, student involvement, and commitment to success make it the ideal place for me to thrive.
Charlotte
Prospective04/10/2025
In my many visits to James Madison University, it is clear that the students and staff have worked to foster an extremely welcoming environment to all students and incoming students. Everyone is so kind and friendly, and they all want to help to adjust to the campus environment. The campus is so beautiful, and the purple and gold feel like home. Another amazing part of the campus is their housing and dining halls. The food offered is very delicious, and the residence halls are comfortable and nice.
Mya
College04/08/2025
JMU is my dream school,
Jessica
02/09/2025
My opinion of James Madison University is that it is an extremely beautiful and accessible campus. They have a variety of educational pathways. If desiring to go into the education field, there are many excellent resources available, such as the secondary education program that is unlike many other universities.
Rylie
11/26/2024
I love James Madison University. As a freshman living on campus, I have enjoyed the many opportunities, clubs, and amenities that are available to students. In addition, I have found it to be pretty easy to find a group of people to spend time with, as there are so many opportunities for collaboration, extracurriculars, and social activities.
Janel
07/30/2024
My opinion of James Madison University is that it is a very supportive and uplifting academic environment. Everywhere you go on or off campus, there are people willing to help you with whatever you may need. Whether it's about directions, academic assistance, or recommendations, there is always someone who is happy to help you. The only downfall that I have encountered so far is not receiving much assistance from advisors when it came down to needing help with class schedules towards the end of the year. Although they did help me a little, it wasn't in the way that I needed and ultimately the issue was not resolved. But, overall I would say it is a great school. The campus is beautiful, there are many different options for food on campus and as I mentioned before the people are extremely nice. Also the professors are very professional yet understanding, as long as they know that you are taking their classes seriously, they will assist you in whatever ways they can. I ran into zero issues up until the end of the year, which I understand because they are dealing with a lot of incoming freshman as well as their current students.
Elizabeth
05/08/2024
I really like James Madison, it was my first choice out of all the college I applied too. The campus is beautiful, the people are considerate, everything about James Madison University is just really amazing. Harrisonburg being a college town is nicely laid out and easily accessible.
Jeffrey
04/21/2024
JMU is an amazing school. It offers such a small town feel while having tons upon tons of things to do there. It is a beautiful campus with amazing students and staff. Couldn't be more happy attending JMU. I will continue to preach the livelihood of JMU because it is such an amazing institution even after I graduate.
Anthony
04/19/2024
Not a lot of help from school. only worried about pulling money in from student. Harrisonburg is a hole and nothing to do there but Drink. You can drink Monday through Sunday since there is nothing to do. Professors do not really care about student success instead they are worried about the Job. Job placement is nonexistent. You have to look after career goals. In all these threads, all I see is beautiful campus, good food, lots of partying and sports. Nothing that shows that JMU is some sort of Academic university.
The school will never shake this view and will always be considered a social university, and employers will always see this and pick up a Virginia Tech Grad or UVA grad over a lonely JMU grad.
ZaNiyah
04/09/2024
I used to have a really great opinion but during the year my family faced a lot of hardship, and the school was not empathetic at all. I was actually told to find a more affordable school to attend by the staff. My opinion is not so great now. I feel that I expected to much and the sad part is that my family are JMU alum.
Jessica
04/02/2024
James Madison has it all. The campus is beautiful and the people are great. Community is a big part of the college life here and it is easy to get involved and find what you love. The Health Services Administration major was an amazing program that produced well rounded professionals that leave with a sense of purpose in their career.
Marisa
05/31/2023
As a person of color at JMU, the relative lack of diversity has made it challenging to find friends who share similar experiences. While the school offers a supportive environment, I hope to see more efforts toward inclusivity and opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to connect and thrive together.
Madison
03/31/2023
Personally, I really love JMU. And that's not just me trying to suck up to get the scholarship. I love that it is a big school (almost 20k). Not only have I met a ton of people through my dorm, classes, and clubs, but I've liked about 90% of them. They're cool down to earth people. I also love the social life. There is always something to do. And not only that, but there is a variety of things to do. We have so many clubs that focus on so many things (volunteering, computer science, even mycology). And if you aren't into clubs like that, Greek Life is a huge activity here. Bottom line: JMU provides a great environment to meet people and find your interests!
Abby
03/09/2023
My time at James Madison University was very enjoyable. I was involved in a couple clubs on campus and there were always a lot of opportunities for students to join new organizations and clubs. There were great libraries on campus that allowed for the students to have a quiet place to study. The professors are available after class and hold at least one day of week of office hours. the campus was kept well, and the facilities were new or recently renovated.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for James Madison University is 72%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Discipline is crucial. The hardest part of the college transition is trying to stay organized. Living in the dorms creates constant choices. What should I eat? Should I study or get on Facebook? Go party or sleep? It?s extremely easy to fall off track.
I?d remind myself how much better I feel when I?m living a healthy lifestyle. It?s easy to say, ?Yes? and indulge in that extra dessert or third plate of food at D-hall, but the after effects just aren?t worth it. Exercise is also a must in college. It?s hard to find time in an already packed schedule, but hitting up the gym gives me energy to be more productive and makes me feel ten times better.
Then there?s the partying, and there?s always partying and always pressure to go. The key is moderation. Learning to say no isn?t easy, but it?s really important if I?m going to be at my best and make the grades. Overall, college gives one an enormous amount of freedom, but it?s up to me to make smart lifestyle choices and have the discipline to stick with them.
I love the scenery of the rolling hills, Massanuten Snow Resort is 30 min. away, the professors really care, you make life-long friends, people aren't juddmental compared to other schools and all of the students really enjoy making the best out of their time.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
JMU is growing and adding more students and therefore it is hard sometimes to get the classes you need. There needs to be more professors to accomodate the increasing number of students.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
Anyone who wants to be very individual. All the people here tend to be the same (The way they dress and act). Also someone who is not white and doesn't like being surrounded by all white people. The school is about 95{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} white.
The school size is just right, but if they keep expanding to try and become a Division I school we will be too big! I spend most of my time on campus in ISAT for my nursing classes or eating lunch in the festival. I don't get to see the other side of campus, like the quad, since I started nursing school. I feel like Harrisonburg is definitely a college town, but for someone like me who lives in the middle of nowhere and it takes 30 minutes to get to town, being able to ride a bus or drive 5 minutes to Walmart or Target is great. The most recent controversy, in my opinion, was when JMU cut a bunch of athletic programs to be in compliance with the Title XI regulations. There is tons of school pride here and everyone loves Duke Dog!! Frequent complaints include the Gen Ed program, lack of parking, and lack of housing for sophomore students, since they continue to expand the number of incoming freshman and they are automatically guaranteed housing.
My nursing professors do know my name and a handful of my GenEd professors did, especially the smaller groups, like lab groups. I believe students are competitive especially in nursing school! Many of us are Type A personality perfectionists....not always a good thing!
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
Registering for classes. Things get a little crazy during registration, but if some of the classes you need are closed it is always possible to get an "override" into the class with the professors approval.
What is the stereotype of students at your school?
There are both negative and positive stereotypes about both JMU and its students. It has a big reputation as a party school that tends to live inside its own JMU-bubble. Students are known as very friendly, open, and active. Nearly all students are involved in some sort of extracurricular. They are less competitive over grades and more competitive about who has the more hectic social schedule. The only negative stereotypes associated with the students are that many tend to come from a fairly white-washed background of privilege. Despite this, many are willing to reach out and gain an appreciation of new experiences. JMU is one of the happiest places in the world. It is known for it's spirit and its students are happy to make it known what a great place this is to be.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I wish I knew that it was okay to go to parties and not drink. I chose not to go just to save face, but really I just didn't have the amount of fun and comrodery with my hallmates as I could have. I also wish I knew that it was okay to be myself, my real self. This school is amazingly accepting of all.
Southern Connecticut State University is one of the four state universities in Connecticut. Southern was founded as a teachers college, which was one of the draws for me. Today, many students at Southern concentrate in education and teaching, but there are numerous other programs that are now offered as well (116 graduate and undergraduate programs offered). Southern is also known for its ability to accommodate a wide-range of student scheduling needs, with its part-time/full-time, day/evening courses, and summer course offerings to name a few.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
JMU is known as a party school. The party life is great but there are also a lot of other activities to do. Not everyone goes out and parties on the weekends although a big majority of the students at the school do.
I decided to come to JMU as I was originally a dietetics major. JMU was one of the few programs at the time who had a dietetics program. The students seemed really happy here and the campus is beautiful
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
62% of students attending James Madison University receive some sort of financial aid.
14% were awarded federal grants.42%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
