A
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    A-
  2. Value
    A
  3. Diversity
    B+
  4. Campus
    A+
  5. Athletics
    A
  6. Party Scene
    A+
  7. Professors
    B+
  8. Location
    A-
  9. Dorms
    A-
  10. Campus Food
    A+
  11. Student Life
    A+
  12. Safety
    B+
View Full Report Card
James Madison University is ...
Public
Athletic Division
NCAA Division I-AA
Athletic Conference
Colonial Athletic Association
Address
800 South Main Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Website
jmu.edu

James Madison University Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate
66%
SAT Range
1050-1230
ACT Range
25-27
Application Fee
$70
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Required
Will You Get In?

Test Scores and GPA for James Madison University

Cost

Net Price
$14,772/ year
National
$15,431
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $11,154/ year
  • $30-48k
    $13,063/ year
  • $49-75k
    $15,951/ year
  • $76-110k
    $21,090/ year
  • $110k+
    $22,334/ year

Academics

Professors
B+
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
16:1
Evening Degree Programs
No
83%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.152 responses
41%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.163 responses
61%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.163 responses

Majors

Most Popular Majors
  • Communications
    378 Graduates
  • Community Health Services and Counseling
    355 Graduates
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities
    342 Graduates
  • Psychology
    242 Graduates
  • Nursing
    196 Graduates
  • Biology
    186 Graduates
  • Information Studies
    150 Graduates
  • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
    146 Graduates
  • Marketing
    136 Graduates
  • Accounting
    134 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
18,057Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
1%
Pell Grant
13%
Varsity Athletes
3%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 105 responses
Report
  • Friendly
    43%
  • Partier
    15%
  • Awesome.
    14%
  • Polite
    10%
  • Real
    8%
  • Chill
    6%
  • Driven
    3%

Campus Life

Freshmen Live On-Campus
—
Poll
57%
of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.217 responses
Poll
47%
of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.249 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 105 responses
Report
  • Friendliest place on Earth
    28%
  • Energetic
    15%
  • Happiest place on Earth
    14%
  • Pride
    13%
  • HUGE FAMILY
    12%
  • Party-town
    9%
  • The Disneyland of Colleges
    7%

After James Madison University

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$53,400/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
82%
National
47%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
96%
National
83%
92%
of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.110 responses
Colleges like James Madison University
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James Madison University Reviews

2,612 reviews
All Categories
I absolutely love my university! From the beautiful campus to the welcoming atmosphere. Everything about this school is why I love to call it home. We believe in being the change and everyday we represent that model as a whole campus. The only things I would say that need improvement are classes and the relationship with the president. Some of the classes here at JMU are taught by multiple professors. In most of these cases, these professors grade differently, thus providing a greater variation in grades throughout the entire class. All professors should grade similarly. In regards to the president, I wish he was involved more with the students. His personality is great in helping with donations and funding, but it is not very approachable to students. Students should feel welcomed by the president who should know when to conduct business and when to be fun for the students.
Review James Madison University
James Madison University is often called "the happiest place on Earth," right next to Disney World, of course! It's nestled in a valley, so you have a gorgeous view of the mountains from campus, and the sunsets are phenomenal. Everyone is so friendly and warm, and the school is ranked nationally for the great food. JMU even has a Starbucks truck that goes around campus! Professors want to see you succeed and there' a Student Success Center that offers tutoring, counseling, and many other services devoted to helping students. JMU is Divison I for most sports, except football, in which the Dukes are Divison II. All home football games are preceded by tailgates. Dukes work hard and play hard, so there is a party scene, but there's plenty to do in Downtown Harrisonburg on the weekends as well. Usually only freshmen live in the dorms on campus, however they are available to all students and there are on-campus apartment options. James Madison is an outstanding and well-rounded school.
My time at JMU was overall a wonderful experience. Great people, professors, education and food. Even though there are a lot of students from VA, there are also a lot of students from the Northeast ranging north from Boston down south to VA. For most students, it's easy to find a group that you fit in with.
My experience with the college of business and the accounting program was awesome! The professors are extremely intelligent and want you to learn as much as possible to prepare you for the real world and your CPA exam.