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#6 Best Public Universities in Virginia

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, Virginia

 3 Reviews

Overview

Enrollment

22,224
James Madison University overview
Location Harrisonburg, Virginia
Online jmu.edu
School Type Public 4 Year
Setting Small City
James Madison University overview
Size Large
Status Non-profit
On Campus Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
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James Madison University (JMU), established in 1908, is a public research university nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley in Harrisonburg, Virginia, about two hours from Washington, D.C. Known for its picturesque campus with a blend of classic and modern architectural styles, JMU provides a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Notably, the university is recognized for its programs in business, health, and social sciences. JMU operates on a selective admissions process and offers on-campus housing options to foster a vibrant residential community. The campus atmosphere is characterized by a combination of academic focus and involvement in over 300 clubs and organizations. While JMU has a broad array of athletic teams known as the Dukes, it is particularly acknowledged for its strong programs in football and basketball.

In the most recent statistical year 30,727 prospective students applied, and 24,062 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 4,863 enrolled in the school.  19,984 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 2,240 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $7,684 plus fees of $5,408. JMU is ranked 260 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.

Ratings

7/10

Overall

7/10

Academics

5/10

Resources

9/10

Outcomes

6/10

Value

JMU is rated within the top 34% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for James Madison University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.

Getting In

Admission Standards

Difficult
James Madison University overview
SAT 1140/1320
ACT 23/29
Estimated GPA 3.57

Applications Accepted

78.3% 
James Madison University overview
Applications Due Jan 15, 2025
Applicant Competition Very Low
Application Fee $70

Explore admissions requirements

Annual Cost to Attend

Virginia Resident Tuition

$7,684
In State Costs for James Madison University
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,176
Other Fees$5,408
Room and Board $12,040
Budget for Other Expenses$4,200
Total One Year Cost$30,508

Out of State Resident Tuition

$24,744
Out of State Costs for James Madison University
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,176
Other Fees$5,408
Room and Board $12,040
Budget for Other Expenses$4,200
Total One Year Cost$47,568

Tuition and financial aid details

Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$60,300 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

81% within 6 years

Explore Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular subjects studied by James Madison University students
Subject Percent of Class
Business 16%
Health Professions 13%
Social Sciences 10%
Communication 10%
Visual and Performing Arts 6%

View All 47 Majors

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Students considering JMU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Questions and Answers

CollegeSimply Advisor posts about James Madison University.

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=232423 IPEDS survey data for James Madison University.

Current students may use the James Madison University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.

Last updated February 24, 2024