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James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA, USA
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Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, James Madison University's campus features a mix of brick buildings and green spaces. Take a virtual tour to explore its picturesque setting surrounded by rolling hills!

James Madison University competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. The JMU Dukes field competitive teams in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. The university's athletic facilities, such as Bridgeforth Stadium and the Atlantic Union Bank Center, provide modern venues for both athletes and spectators. JMU has a strong athletic tradition, with notable success in football and women's lacrosse. The university also offers a wide range of intramural and club sports, ensuring that all students have opportunities to stay active and engaged in athletics.

Mid-Atlantic, Small City: James Madison University is set in the college town of Harrisonburg, Virginia, offering a friendly, student-focused community with abundant outdoor activities in the Shenandoah Valley.

For the most accurate and up-to-date cost of attendance, please click the link below!
James Madison University has around 80% of students receiving financial aid. JMU awards like the Centennial Scholars Program recognize academic achievement, and various departmental scholarships are based on a student's chosen major.


James Madison University offers robust Fine and Performing Arts programs through its College of Visual and Performing Arts. Students can pursue majors in Art, Art History, Music, Theatre, and Dance. The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts serves as a hub for creativity, housing state-of-the-art performance venues and studios. JMU's School of Music is nationally recognized, offering a wide range of ensembles and performance opportunities. The School of Theatre and Dance produces numerous shows throughout the year, allowing students to showcase their talents. Students can also engage in various arts-related clubs and organizations, such as the JMU Art Club and the Student Dance Concert. The university hosts numerous arts events throughout the year, including gallery exhibitions, concerts, and theatre productions.

Greek Life is popular at James Madison University, with about 15% of students participating. The university recognizes 16 fraternities and 12 sororities, known for their involvement in campus activities, philanthropic efforts, and social events.

James Madison University places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, offering numerous internship opportunities across various fields. The Career and Academic Planning office provides comprehensive support for students seeking internships, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and job fairs. Many academic departments at JMU have established relationships with industry partners, facilitating internship placements specific to students' areas of study. The university also offers academic credit for qualifying internships, allowing students to gain practical experience while progressing towards their degree.

James Madison University offers over 70 undergraduate majors across its seven colleges, providing a wide range of academic options. Popular majors include Business, Health Sciences, Psychology, and Communication Studies. JMU also offers unique programs such as Intelligence Analysis and Integrated Science and Technology. Students typically declare their major by the end of their sophomore year, allowing time for exploration. The university also provides interdisciplinary programs and the option for students to create individualized majors through the Independent Scholars Program.

A college campus might lean a certain way politically, but the surrounding community can have a very different cultural and political vibe. Exploring the area beyond campus can give you a better picture of the local political landscape. Use the link below to research the location of any college you're considering.

James Madison University offers undergraduate research opportunities that allow students to engage in hands-on, faculty-mentored research projects. Students can participate in research through programs such as the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and the Honors College. JMU emphasizes a collaborative approach to research, with opportunities for students to work alongside faculty and peers on innovative projects. Participating in research at JMU can help students develop research skills, gain valuable experience in their field, and prepare for post-graduate studies or careers in research.

Feeling safe on campus matters—it helps you focus on your studies, make new friends, and enjoy college life without constant worry. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you and your family can feel confident in your choice.
Feeling safe on campus is important—it allows you to focus on your studies, make friends, and enjoy college life without unnecessary stress. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you can feel confident in your choice.
Feeling safe on campus is important—it allows you to focus on your studies, make friends, and enjoy college life without unnecessary stress. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you can feel confident in your choice.
Feeling safe on campus is important—it allows you to focus on your studies, make friends, and enjoy college life without unnecessary stress. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you can feel confident in your choice.
Feeling safe on campus matters—it helps you focus on your studies, make new friends, and enjoy college life without constant worry. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you and your family can feel confident in your choice.
Feeling safe on campus matters—it helps you focus on your studies, make new friends, and enjoy college life without constant worry. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you and your family can feel confident in your choice.
Feeling safe on campus matters—it helps you focus on your studies, make new friends, and enjoy college life without constant worry. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you and your family can feel confident in your choice.
Feeling safe on campus is important—it allows you to focus on your studies, make friends, and enjoy college life without unnecessary stress. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you can feel confident in your choice.
Feeling safe on campus is important—it allows you to focus on your studies, make friends, and enjoy college life without unnecessary stress. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you can feel confident in your choice.
Feeling safe on campus is important—it allows you to focus on your studies, make friends, and enjoy college life without unnecessary stress. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you can feel confident in your choice.

James Madison University is a large school with 20000 undergraduate students on campus.

James Madison University boasts over 350 student organizations, catering to a wide range of interests. These include academic clubs, cultural organizations, service groups, and recreational clubs. The Student Government Association provides leadership opportunities and advocates for student interests. JMU's University Program Board organizes various campus events, including concerts, speakers, and film screenings. The university also offers outdoor adventure programs through UREC Adventure, taking advantage of its location near the Shenandoah National Park.

James Madison University has a student population that is largely White (approximately 70%). There are smaller, but notable, populations of Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian students. The university enrolls a modest international student population (around 5%). Geographically, JMU primarily enrolls in-state students, but attracts a national student body as well.

James Madison University offers a variety of housing options to accommodate students throughout their academic journey. First-year students are required to live on campus and can choose from traditional residence halls or suite-style accommodations. Upper-class students have additional options, including on-campus apartments and themed living-learning communities. JMU's dining services provide diverse meal options across multiple locations on campus. The main dining halls, such as D-Hall and E-Hall, offer a wide array of cuisines, including vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-free choices. For quick bites between classes, students can visit various cafes and food courts scattered around campus. JMU is committed to sustainability in its dining operations, sourcing local ingredients when possible and implementing composting programs. The university offers flexible meal plans tailored to different student needs and preferences. JMU's dining services have consistently been ranked among the best in the nation for college campuses.

JMU balances liberal arts foundations with in-demand pre-professional programs. Popular majors include Business fields, Health Sciences, Psychology, Communication Studies, Education, Biology, and Political Science. Students can enhance their degrees with a vast array of minors and specialized certificate programs. For a full list of academic programs, click the link below.


JMU offers the Centennial Scholars Program, specifically designed to support first-generation students through scholarships, mentorship, and academic resources. The university also provides need-based financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs, to ensure affordability for low-income students.

Are you curious about admission data at this school? Check it out, but remember that you are so much more than a number.

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