James Madison University | Admissions, Tuition & Programs

James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It was founded in 1908. The school was first called the State Normal and Industrial School for Women. In 1938, it was renamed in honor of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. The university has changed over the years into a modern center for academic excellence, known for its mix of liberal arts education, career-focused programs, and student-centered learning. James Madison University's goal is to help students become informed and educated citizens who live productive and meaningful lives. The school's motto, "Knowledge is Liberty," shows how dedicated it is to helping people learn, get involved in their communities, and serve others.

James Madison University Rankings and Accreditations

People know James Madison University for its strong academic programs, dedication to helping students succeed, and high return on investment. It always gets high marks for both its undergraduate teaching and campus life.
Here is a detailed table showing James Madison University rankings in important areas:

James Madison University Academic Programs

James Madison University has more than 70 undergraduate majors in a wide range of fields, such as business, health sciences, education, liberal arts, and STEM. Psychology, nursing, accounting, biology, and communication studies are some of the most popular majors. Below are the most popular majors from James Madison University.

James Madison University Admission Process

To get into James Madison University, you have to meet certain requirements that make sure you are ready for the school's tough academics. To be accepted into an undergraduate program, students must have finished high school with core subjects like math, science, English, and social studies.

James Madison University Eligibility Criteria

JMU usually wants a competitive GPA, good standardized test scores (SAT or ACT, though they may not be required), and an application that shows that you are involved in extracurricular activities.

To get into a graduate program at James Madison University, you need to have a bachelor's degree from a recognized school. Most programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0, but some have different requirements. Some programs, especially those in health sciences and education, may also need you to have relevant work experience or take certain classes before you can apply.

Application Timeline and Deadlines

Students who want to apply should know the deadlines so they can turn in their applications on time. James Madison University usually suggests that students apply for undergraduate admission by the following dates:

• Early Action: November 1

• Regular Decision: January 15

• Transfer Applications: Rolling basis, with preferred deadline of March 1

Graduate program deadlines vary by department but usually follow a rolling admission process, with priority deadlines typically in the late fall or early spring.

Required Documents

Applicants to James Madison University Harrisonburg must submit a variety of documents to complete their application:

• Completed application form (Common App or JMU-specific application)

• Official high school or college transcripts

• Standardized test scores (if submitted)

• Letters of recommendation (required for some programs)

• Personal statement or essay describing goals and qualifications

• Resume or list of extracurricular activities (optional for some undergraduate programs)

• For international applicants, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS) and financial documentation

Graduate applicants may also need to submit GRE or program-specific entrance exam scores, depending on their field of study.

James Madison University Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

Depending on where you live and what level of program you are in, James Madison University cost varies. For college students, the cost of tuition for the 2024–2025 school year is about:

Housing, meals, books, and personal expenses are some of the extra costs that can add up to $25,000 to $30,000 a year for undergraduates.

Available Scholarships

James Madison University gives out a lot of scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students. Some of these are merit-based awards, need-based grants, departmental scholarships, and special scholarships for certain groups, like veterans or first-generation college students. Some well-known scholarships are:

• JMU Academic Scholarship: Given out based on high school GPA and scores on standardized tests.

• Commonwealth Award: For students from Virginia who do well in school.

• Graduate Assistantships: These programs pay graduate students to help with research or teaching and cover their tuition.

• External Scholarships: JMU wants students to look for outside scholarships and gives them the tools to help them find them.

Financial Aid Options

Students at James Madison University Harrisonburg, can apply for federal and state financial aid by submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Aid options include:

• Federal Pell Grants

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

• Work-Study Programs that allow students to work part-time on campus

• Federal Direct Loans and Parent PLUS Loans

JMU’s financial aid office also offers counseling to help students manage their finances, budget for college, and understand loan repayment options.

Apartments Near James Madison University 

James Madison University has a lot of different types of on-campus housing to meet the needs of all of its students. Most first-year students live in traditional residence halls that help them meet people and get to campus resources easily. Upperclassmen can live in suites or apartments for more privacy and freedom. The Festival Conference and Student Center is a popular place to live because it is close to places to eat and have fun.

James Madison University Off-Campus Housing

After a year or two on campus, or if you're a returning graduate, many students select to live off-campus due to increased independence, flexibility, and usually, a slightly cheaper rent. Whether you're looking for a small studio or you’re sharing an apartment with friends, you can typically find a range of student-friendly accommodation in the surrounding neighborhoods. If you plan to search for James Madison University off-campus housing, be sure to start your search early and consider factors such as safety, commute time, and monthly costs (rent + utilities). From the list of options with all of these considerations checked off, it is easier to find housing in your new community that best fits your lifestyle, pocketbook ,and academics with options like:

1. Arcadia Harrisonburg - Pet-friendly spacious and comfortable apartments with excellent connectivity.
2. 865 East, Harrisonburg - top choice for students in Harrisonburg, offering an ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and modern amenities.

James Madison University Notable Alumni

James Madison University boasts a diverse group of notable alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields. Some prominent JMU alumni include:

• Scott Van Pelt

• Debra Jo Rupp

• Marty Smith

• Jill Ellis

• Carl Davis

These alumni exemplify the university’s commitment to fostering leadership and excellence, serving as inspiring role models for current students.

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