James Madison University
Harrisonburg, United States
- Cost of Living$ 17,220
- Tuition Fee From$ 18,765
- Country Rank#258
- Batch Strength21,496
- Global Diversity-
- Gender Ratio-
Overview
About
James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It was established in 1908 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg. It later underwent a name change in 1938 and became Madison College in tribute to President James Madison. Finally, it assumed the name James Madison University in 1977. The university is located in Shenandoah Valley which is just west of Massanutten Mountain.
James Madison University secured the impressive #3 position among Regional Universities in the South in the 2023 rankings by US News and World Report. This is accompanied by an outstanding 96% satisfaction rate among its graduates. Notably, JMU students hold the university in high regard, rating it an impressive 9 out of 10 for its placement services.
Ranking
James Madison University, established in 1908 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a public research university with a relatively accessible admission process, boasting an acceptance rate of 78%. The university holds the 124th position among Best National Universities in the USA and ranks 1827th in Best Global Universities according to US News & World Report. Looking at recent trends, the university has shown mixed results across different programmes. The Graduate Nursing programme has made significant progress, ranking 92nd in 2024, up from 110th in 2023 and 100th in 2022. Similarly, the Undergraduate Business programme has seen a slight improvement, ranking 103rd in 2024, compared to 108th in 2023 and 106th in 2022. These rankings reflect James Madison University's ongoing efforts to enhance its academic standing across various disciplines, making it an attractive option for both domestic and international students seeking quality higher education.
James Madison University - US News & World Report Ranking 2024
In 2024, James Madison University's Graduate Nursing programme is ranked 92nd by US News & World Report, showing improvement from 110th in 2023 and 100th in 2022. For its Undergraduate Business programme, it is ranked 103rd in 2024, a slight improvement from 108th in 2023 and 106th in 2022.
|
Ranked by |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Best Graduate Nursing Schools |
100 |
110 |
92 |
|
UG Business |
106 |
108 |
103 |
Learn More About: James Madison University’s Admission
Course Rankings
BBA
|
Ranked by |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
US News & World Report - UG Business |
106 |
108 |
103 |
M.A.
|
Ranked by |
2021 |
2022 |
|
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences |
301 |
301 |
MSN
|
Ranked by |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
US News & World Report - Best Graduate Nursing Schools |
100 |
110 |
92 |
Learn More About: James Madison University’s Courses
Business & Management Studies
|
Ranked by |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
US News & World Report - UG Business |
106 |
108 |
103 |
Humanities & Social Sciences
|
Ranked by |
2021 |
2022 |
|
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences |
301 |
301 |
Nursing
|
Ranked by |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
US News & World Report - Best Graduate Nursing Schools |
100 |
110 |
92 |
Political Science
|
Ranked by |
2021 |
2022 |
|
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences |
301 |
301 |
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2024
-
#2083
Facilities
James Madison University facilities cater to the diverse interests and needs of its students. Students have abundant opportunities to hone their skills and pursue their passions in 450 student clubs. The university also offers a dedicated movie theatre, "Never a Dull Moment," where students can enjoy movies and shows during weekends.
JMU provides more than 25 different options like food trucks and buffet-style dining. The university offers nut-free, gluten-free and vegetarian choices at this cafeteria. Moreover, JMU's "Stay Active Program" is for the ones who dive into fitness in the University Recreation Centre.
The university’s athletic teams are called the "Dukes," and they participate in a variety of sports such as football, basketball, baseball, tennis, swimming, diving and golf. Notably, the university is also a member of the NCAA's Football Championship Subdivision.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
Acceptance Rate
James Madison University's acceptance rate stands at 86% which indicates that the admission committee is quite lenient in their process. JMU provides a diverse selection of over 139 programmes for its students. Undergraduates have the opportunity to select from more than 70 majors. The university also boasts an exceptional study abroad programme, which offers semester-long study opportunities in cities like Belgium, Italy, London, Scotland and Spain.
Entry Requirements
Graduate admissions at JMU are open to students who have earned a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. SAT or ACT scores are not mandatory for admission. Additionally, the university does not administer personal interviews as part of the admission process. Here are the specific James Madison University entry requirements:
- Official Academic Transcripts of High School
- Required GPA: 3.5
- Letter (s) of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Proof of financial support
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Test scores or GRE/ GMAT if asked by the university
- Resume or CV showing work experience
- Any other country-specific or course-specific requirements
English Language Proficiency Test Scores
International students whose native language is not English have to submit the following test scores for admission:
|
IELTS |
6.5 |
|
TOEFL |
81 |
|
Duolingo |
105 |
|
PTE |
58 |
Fees
The James Madison University fees for their most versatile programmes are mentioned below:
- M.S Biology - $37,530 /Yr
- B.S Athletic Training - $30,466 /Yr
- M.Ed Educational Technology - $15,345 /Yr
- B.A Physics - $30,466 /Yr
- B.A Anthropology - $30,466 /Yr
- M.S Psychological Sciences - $45,036 /Yr
Placements
The highest percentage of students successfully completing their programmes stands at an impressive 82%. James Madison University’s placements team makes sure that all of their students are placed within 6 months of graduation.
Among the university's graduates, the Consulting, Accounting, and Professional Services group tend to secure the highest salaries, with some earning up to $120,000 annually. Similarly, students in the Marketing, Product, and Communications group also enjoy competitive salaries, with earnings reaching up to $73,000 per year. For those pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, the average annual salary stands at $75,000, while students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree achieve an even higher average salary of $120,000 annually.
Scholarship
JMU offers students an impressive range of scholarships. The university provides scholarships based on both academic excellence and athletic prowess. The selection process for merit-based scholarships is managed by the individual colleges within JMU. This is the list:
|
Name Of The Scholarship |
Amount Funded |
|
The Madison Scholarship |
Variable Amount |
|
The Thomas A. Dingledine Scholarship |
Variable Amount |
|
The Second Century Scholarship |
75% fee waiver |
UniScholars offers more than 1500 external scholarships for international students which can effectively reduce the financial challenges. These scholarships are tailored to your academic achievements and financial circumstances, providing you with various options. These are the types of scholarships offered by:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based scholarships
- Country-specific scholarships
- College-specific scholarships
- Student-specific scholarships
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for attractive interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
Approximately 80% of JMU students reside in the university's 25 affordable residence halls. These halls are situated in five areas: Skyline, Bluestone, Village, Lakeside, and Hillside. Each residence hall at James Madison University features a TV lounge with air conditioning, a kitchen area and vending machines. Shenandoah Hall is the most renowned residence hall and includes study rooms on every floor, a communal TV area, a kitchen and air conditioning.
At UniAcco, you can choose from affordable and stylish options like student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! Whether you prefer on-campus or private housing, both are available. UniAcco streamlines the off-campus housing search process, offering a range of student accommodations near the university. You can select from budget-friendly luxury studios, en-suites and shared apartments which will make your student housing choice more accessible and diverse.
Cost of Living
Harrisonburg is a welcoming city that attracts students from various backgrounds in Virginia. When planning your education in this vibrant community, it's essential to consider the cost of living to ensure a comfortable and financially manageable experience. In the following sections, we'll delve into the specifics of the cost of living for students in Harrisonburg:
|
Particulars |
Cost (Monthly) |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
$858 |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
$637 |
|
Transportation |
$62 |
|
Food Cost |
$298 |
|
Utility Cost |
$162 |
|
Entertainment |
$48 |
|
Groceries |
$48 |
|
Clothes |
$121 |
|
Health Insurance |
$80 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation |
$1,677 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation |
$1,456 |
|
Annual Cost of Living |
$20,124 |