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James Madison University

Harrisonburg, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 17,220
  • Tuition Fee From$ 18,765
  • Country Rank#256
  • 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.

 

University Name James Madison University
Official Website https://www.jmu.edu/
Year of Establishment 1908
Average Living Cost $ 20,124
Total Students Enrolled 22,224
University Type Public
For Free Study Abroad Counselling Click Here

Ranking

JMU holds the distinguished position of #3 among Regional Universities in the South, according to US News and World Report. Furthermore, the university secured #2 spot in the ranking of Most Innovative Universities by US News. These high numbers are reinforced by another top ranking, as JMU proudly stands at #1 in the category of the Most Innovative University in the same publication. These are other James Madison University’s rankings: 

 

  • #170 - Top Colleges 2023 - Forbes
  • #169 - Best Colleges List - College Factual 2024
  • #278 - In North America - EduRank 2024

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2024

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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

Lindsay Czarniak
Lindsay Czarniak
American sports anchor and reporter
Jim Acosta
Jim Acosta
American broadcaster
Phil Vassar
Phil Vassar
American musical artist

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

FAQs