The James Madison University (JMU) is a public institution in Harrisonburg, VA, USA. It is ranked 1001+ (2022) in THE world university rankings and 181-190 (2021) in the QS US UNI rankings. The institution was founded in 1908 and is situated in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
The University is now known for its teaching and learning excellence. It has 19,550 undergraduate students and 1,946 graduate students. JMU offers 139 degree programs and has a student-faculty ratio of 16:1. The average class size is 25, while there are 1,463 instructional faculty members.
The University has its campus at Harrisonburg in Virginia. It also has the Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Energy and the Office of Research Integrity, along with James Madison Innovations.
Among the degrees offered, there are 53 master and 76 undergraduate courses. There are two specialist programs as well, along with eight doctoral degrees at JMU.
Notable alumni include physician Marcia Angell, journalist-anchor Lindsay Czarniak, racing car driver Elliott Sadler, songwriter-musician LeRoi Moore, and American football star Akeem Jordan.
The University offers varied career services to its students through its dedicated University Career Center. This comes with career fairs, preparing for interviews and workforce joining, and several events to help students. Career support is readily available for students at James Madison University throughout their study tenures and after graduation.
James Madison University (JMU) is a prestigious university in Harrisonburg, Virginia. JMU, known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life, provides students with a diverse range of opportunities. The university takes pride in its commitment to providing a well-rounded education that emphasizes both intellectual and personal development. JMU fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment by having a diverse student body and a supportive community. JMU students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities, research opportunities, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. JMU continues to shine as a leading institution in higher education, preparing students for success in their chosen fields through top-tier faculty and cutting-edge facilities.
James Madison University provides a variety of accommodation options for students. On-campus housing includes traditional residence halls, suite-style living, and apartment-style housing. The university also offers off-campus housing resources. The cost of accommodation varies depending on the type of housing and meal plan chosen. Please find the table below for more details:
Accommodation Type
Cost (per academic year)
Traditional Halls
$5,400 - $6,400
Suite-Style Living
$5,800 - $7,300
Apartment-Style Living
$5,600 - $8,100
Acceptance Rate of the University
James Madison University has an acceptance rate of around 77%. This means that approximately 77% of all applications received by the university are accepted.
Top Courses Offered at James Madison University
James Madison University offers a wide range of courses at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. Here are some of the popular courses along with their fees (approximate) in tabular format:
Course
Undergraduate Fee (per year)
Graduate Fee (per year)
Business Administration
$12,330 - $16,270
$12,330 - $16,270
Nursing
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Psychology
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Computer Science
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Health Sciences
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Communication Studies
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Engineering
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Education
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Political Science
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Biology
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
James Madison University Admission Process
Students must follow a specific procedure to apply for admission to James Madison University (JMU). Here is an overview of the application process and fees:
Undergraduate applicants must pay an application fee of $70 for domestic students and $85 for international students. Graduate application fees differ depending on the program.
Application Deadlines: JMU has different deadlines for undergraduate and graduate programs. For the most up-to-date information on application deadlines, visit the official JMU website.
Online Application: Prospective students may apply online through the JMU Admissions website. Personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation are all required for the application.
Students must submit official high school or college transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT for undergraduate, GRE or GMAT for graduate), and any additional program-specific requirements along with their application.
JMU will review the materials, including academic achievements, test scores, and other factors after the application is submitted. Admitted students will receive an acceptance letter as well as enrollment instructions.
Documents Required for James Madison University
To apply for admission to James Madison University, applicants are typically required to submit the following documents:
Completed application form
Application fee
Official high school or college transcripts
Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT for undergraduate, GRE or GMAT for graduate)
Letters of recommendation (typically 1-3)
Personal statement or essay
Resume (for some programs)
Proof of English language proficiency (for international students)
Exam Requirements for James Madison University
James Madison University (JMU) has specific exam requirements for admission. Here are the exams and English proficiency tests necessary for admission to JMU:
Undergraduate Admissions:
Standardized Tests: JMU accepts either the SAT or ACT. The average SAT score range for admitted students is approximately 1090-1280, and the average ACT score range is approximately 22-28.
Graduate Admissions:
Standardized Tests: The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is typically required for graduate programs. The required scores may vary depending on the program of study. It is advisable to check the specific program's admission requirements for score expectations.
English Proficiency:
For non-native English speakers, JMU requires proof of English language proficiency. The accepted tests and minimum score requirements are as follows:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 80 (iBT) or 550 (paper-based).
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall band score of 6.5.
James Madison University Cost of Attendance
UG and PG courses:
Course
Undergraduate Fee (per year)
Graduate Fee (per year)
Business Administration
$12,330 - $16,270
$12,330 - $16,270
Nursing
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Psychology
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Computer Science
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Health Sciences
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Communication Studies
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Engineering
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Education
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Political Science
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Biology
$12,330 - $16,270
$10,590 - $13,460
Cost of Living:
Cost Category
Approximate Range
Food
$200 - $400 per month
Travel (within Virginia)
$50 - $200 per trip
Travel (out of state)
$200 - $1000 per trip
Available Scholarships for James Madison University
James Madison University (JMU) provides several scholarships to help students with their academic endeavors. Here are a few noteworthy scholarships:
The Madison Achievement Scholarship is a merit-based award given to incoming freshmen based on academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. The scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to full tuition.
Centennial Scholars Programme: A highly competitive scholarship for incoming freshmen with outstanding academic ability and leadership potential. The program offers a full scholarship that covers tuition, fees, room and board.
Scholarships for Undergraduate Business Students: JMU's College of Business offers a variety of scholarships for undergraduate business students based on academic performance, leadership, and financial need. The BB&T Scholarship and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation Scholarship are two examples.
JMU offers graduate assistantships, which provide financial support to graduate students while they work on campus. These assistantships may come with a stipend, tuition reimbursement, and health insurance coverage.
What is the accommodation capacity of James Madison University?
The accommodation capacity of James Madison University varies based on the number of available housing options and the number of students applying for on-campus housing.
What is the retention rate of James Madison University?
The retention rate of James Madison University refers to the percentage of students who continue their studies at JMU after their first year.
What is the student-faculty ratio at James Madison University?
The student-faculty ratio at James Madison University is approximately 16:1, indicating a relatively small class size and opportunities for personalized instruction.
Does James Madison University require ielts?
James Madison University requires proof of English language proficiency for international applicants. Accepted tests include TOEFL and IELTS, among others.
What rank is James Madison University in the world?
James Madison University is ranked number 151 out of 443 National Universities.
Does James Madison University give scholarships to international students?
Yes, James Madison University offers scholarships to international students.
James Madison University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions
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