Placement Metric
Highest Package
N/A
Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.
James Madison University
41.1(0)
VerifiedPublicEstd. 1908
Founded
1908
Type
Public
University Guide
About James Madison University
Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.
James Madison University offers 139 degree programs to its international students. The growing research university has a fair acceptance rate of 77% and an early acceptance rate of 68%. Admission in the JMU takes place on a rolling basis in three seasons of application, spring, fall and summer. The application fee of JMU is 70 USD and the students can expect an annual cost of attendance of 45,000 USD.
The university has ranked #3 among the Regional Universities in South, 2023 according to US News and World Report. It records 96% satisfaction rate of the graduates, students at JMU rate it a whooping 9 on a scale of 10 for its placements. The median starting salary of the JMU graduates is around 56,000 USD. The highest paid students among the university alumni earns around 120,000 USD per annum.
|
Table of Contents
|
James Madison University Rankings
- #1 in The Most Recommended University in the United States by The Wall Street
- #3 in Regional Universities South by US News and World Report
- #2 in Most Innovative Universities by US News
- #1 in the Most Innovative University by US News
- #52 in Best Value Universities by US News
- #4 in Best Undergraduate Teaching by US News
- #2 in Top Public Universities by US News
- #25 by Money Magazine as the Best Public College by US News
- #1 in the Best Safety Universities by US News
James Madison University Highlights
| Year Founded | 1908 |
| College Type | Public, Coed |
| Student: Faculty ratio | 16:1 |
| Exams Accepted | SAT/ ACT/ GRE/ GMAT |
| Total Programs offered | 139 |
| Academic Calendar | Semester Based |
| Popular Courses | B.A, M.A, B.S, M.S, BBA, MBA |
| Average Class Size | 25 |
| Acceptance Rate | 77% |
| Official Website | https://www.jmu.edu |
| Freshman Retention Rate | 90% |
| Graduation Rate | 82% |
James Madison University Campus
James Madison University campus has over 450 clubs and organizations to practice their skills. The university comprises a movie theatre to watch movies and shows on the weekends called “Never a Dull Moment”.
James Madison University has over 25 different dining options like food trucks and buffet style. It also offers nut-free, gluten-free and vegetarian options to students who are on a strict dietary schedule. The university has its own “Stay Active Program” with a gym named University Recreation Center.
All the athletic teams in James Madison University are known as the “Dukes”. The various sports offered by the university are football, basketball, baseball, tennis, swimming, diving and golf. JMU is a part of the NCAA's Football Championship Subdivision.
James Madison University Residence
80% of JMU students live in the university’s 25 residence halls throughout their academic sessions due to the affordable amenities. These halls are located in 5 areas: Skyline, Bluestone, Village, Lakeside and Hillside. The cost of living on campus is 5,564 USD (equivalent to 4,00,000 INR) per year.
All the residence halls in James Madison University have a TV lounge with air conditioning, a kitchen area and vending machines. The most famous residence hall, the Shenandoah Hall has facilities like study rooms on each floor, a common area for watching TV, a kitchen area and air conditioning.
James Madison University Programs
James Madison University offers over 139 programs to its students. Undergraduate students in JMU can choose from more than 70 majors. The most popular programs at JMU are listed below:
| Programs | Annual Expenses in USD |
|---|---|
| MBA in Information Security | 37,000 |
| M.Sc. in Nursing | 28,861 |
| M.Sc. in Biology | 36,930 |
| M.Sc. in Communication Sciences and Disorders | 21,956 |
| M.Sc. in Speech-Language Pathology - Clinical | 21,956 |
| M.A. in Psychological Sciences | 17,964 |
| M.Sc. in Environmental Management and Sustainability | 36,930 |
The university also has an excellent study abroad program offering study opportunities which are semester wise in places like Belgium, Italy, London, Scotland and Spain. Due to the ongoing Covid 19 Pandemic, Only Countries like Belgium, Italy, Spain and London are accepting program application forms.
James Madison University Admission Process
Where to apply? University website or Common Application.
- Summer Term - February 15th
- Fall Term - June 1st
- Spring Term - October 1st
James Madison University expects its graduate students to submit the application form 2 weeks prior to the application deadline.
Note: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the dates for admission in JMU are extended. All the updates regarding the admissions will be notified to the students via the university’s portal, Mymadison and also via Email as well.
James Madison University Admission Requirements
Any student who has obtained a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution outside of the U.S. can apply for graduate admissions. SAT or ACT scores are optional for the admission of undergraduate students. The university does not conduct personal interviews for students. Below are the admission requirements in JMU for the undergraduate students:
- High school transcript
- Dual enrollment or online classes
- Second semester year courses
- TOEFL iBT-81
- IELTS-6.5, ELS-112
- CAE (Certificate of Advanced English)- 176
- Duolingo-105, PTE-58
- CBT- 1210
- SAT/ACT scores are optional
Admissions for graduate applicants require the following:
- Official college transcripts
- LOR
- SAT/ACT Scores
- Additional requirements as per course
- GRE/GMAT Scores (If required for that respective program)
James Madison University Cost of Attendance
To study in the US, it is important to understand the overall costs involved while pursuing the degree of your choice. Here is a detailed list of expenses you will incur while pursuing higher education at James Madison University:
| Expenses | Annual Costs |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 29,468 |
| Personal Costs | 2,004 |
| Room and Board | 10,884 |
| Loan Fees | 76 |
| Travel | 1,940 |
| Annual Cost of Books | 1,082 |
| Total Cost | 45,454 |
James Madison University Scholarship
The students in JMU require excellent academic scores to be eligible for scholarships. JMU offers both academic and sports scholarships to the outstanding students. For all merit based scholarships, JMU’s colleges are responsible for their respective selections.
JMU offers 3 scholarship programs to its international students. Given below are the details of the scholarships:
- The Madison Scholarship: This is the largest scholarship program offered by JMU. There is no requirement for a separate application form. All international students are eligible for this scholarship. The amount varies based on departments.
- The Thomas A. Dingledine Scholarship: This scholarship requires a separate application form to be filled by the applicant and submitted to the respective JMU departments. All the international students are eligible for this scholarship. The scholarship amount is variable.
- The Second Century Scholarship: The Second Century Scholarship is a scholarship offered to all international students of STEM groups (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). The students will receive a 75% fee waiver as their scholarship reward.
Below is the cost by household income:
| Household Income in USD | Average Cost After Aid in USD |
|---|---|
| Less than 30,000 | 13,426 |
| 30,001 to 48,000 | 15,052 |
| 48,001 to 75,000 | 18,412 |
| 75,001 to 110,000 | 24,050 |
| More than 110,001 | 25,676 |
Notable Alumni of JMU
- Football Player Daniel Brown
- ESPN Anchor Lindsay Czarniak
- Baseball Player Mike Venafro
- DJ Robert Abisi
- Actress Sarah Baker
- TV Producer Barbara Hall
- Author Glennon Doyle Melton
- Journalist Alison Parker
- Virginia State Delegate Dawn Adams
- CNN Correspondent Jim Acosta
- Sports Writer Jon Finkel
James Madison University Placements
James Madison University has the highest graduation rate of 82%. The highest paid students at the university are the students of Consulting, Accounting and Professional services group who earn a salary up to 120,000 USD annually. The students of Marketing, Product and Communications group earn a salary up to 73,000 USD annually. The B.A. students earn an average salary of 75,000 USD annually. The B.Sc. Students earn an average salary of 120,000 USD annually.
The university provides various internships to its students to build their own future careers. The variety of programs offered and the recent acceptance rates attract the international students to take admission in the university.
FAQs
Ques. What are the popular programs of James Madison University?
Ans: JMU is known for its most popular programs such as Health Professions, Marketing, Communication, Business, Management, General Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Ques. What GPA do you need to get into JMU?
Ans: JMU expects its students to maintain a GPA of 3.5 (equivalent to 87-89%).
Ques. Is JMU easy or hard to get into?
Ans: Admissions to JMU is not that difficult with an acceptance rate around 77% in recent years. For the 2023 batch, JMU accepted approximately 82% of applicants, out of a pool of 4,750 total applications.
Ques. What are the top rankings of James Madison University?
Ans: The University is currently ranked #1 by The Wall Street as the most recommended university in the United States, 2023 and is also ranked #3 by U.S News in Regional Universities South, 2023.
Ques. Does JMU give merit scholarships?
Ans: Yes, JMU offers need-based and merit-based scholarships. The primary aim for merit-based scholarships is great and excellent performance in academics.
Ques. Does JMU have an honors college?
Ans: Yes, JMU has an honors college which requires a separate application. All the students will receive an email by JMU after you submit your JMU application asking if they would like to apply. Students can also access the application on the Honors College website.
Ques. Is JMU Online?
Ans: Currently due to the Covid 19 pandemic, JMU is moving its classes online. The faculty is now revising their classes using online tools. The JMU Libraries are cooperating with the faculty to design their classes online.
Ques. Is the JMU test optional in 2023?
Ans: ACT/ SAT are optional admission requirements. Due to the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic, James Madison University has extended the application deadlines for admissions.
Courses & Fees
Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way
Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.
Courses
76
Fee from
₹25,27,260.96
Exams
TOEFL · IELTS
Showing 5 of 51 bachelors
Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 30.2 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 32,230 /Yr
Living Expense₹1789269
Estimated Total₹1914359
Fee trendTuition progression
Admission Guide
Admission Process
James Madison University opens its doors for admissions for students from around the world in the semesters of Summer, Fall and Spring. The university is moderately selective and has an acceptance rate of 76.8%. The university offers 76 undergraduate and 53 postgraduate degree programs, along with 8 doctoral programs. Admission to the courses at James Madison University are offered on a rolling basis.
International applications are welcomed for the fall semester. For most majors, the institute has a test-optional admission policy for SAT/ACT scores.You will need $70 to submit along with your applications to James Madison University. Additionally, Interviews are also not mandatory and taken virtually only if the admission office feels the need for the same.
Top Programs at James Madison University
The application deadlines of some top programs in the USA differs for the range of courses. JMI provides admissions in 2 rounds and observes the following deadlines:
| Programs | Deadlines | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| MBA in Information Security | Rolling basis at least 4 weeks before the semester begin | GMAT: 530 GPA: 3.0 Resume, Two LORs, 2+ year work experience |
| M.Sc. in Environmental Management and Sustainability | Fall : February 01 | GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT or MAT SELT/TOEFL/IELTS 2 LOR Statement of purpose |
| M.Sc. in Speech-Language Pathology - Clinical | Fall : February 01 | GPA: 3.25 personal written statement official GRE scores, official transcripts 2 LOR |
| M.Sc. in Nursing | Fall: February 15 Spring: July 01 | GPA: 3.0 |
| M.Sc. in Biology | Fall : February 01 | GRE General Test 3 LOR 2 page statement of purpose |
| M.A. in Psychological Sciences | Fall: January 10 | GRE General Test 3 LOR Personal Statement |
Highlights
| Application Fee | 70 USD |
| IELTS minimum score | 6.5 |
| Application Intakes | Summer, Fall and Spring |
| Standardized Test | SAT or ACT optional |
| Acceptance Rate | 76.8% |
| Employment Rate | 94.35% |
| Admission Decisions | Early June or early November and mid February |
| Official Website | https://www.jmu.edu |
James Madison University International Admission Deadlines
The admission process at JMU takes place during the summer, fall or spring season. The deadlines for different programs at the college vary from program-to-program basis. The applicants can track their application status at the university website.
Applicants applying for graduate applications are advised to submit their applications prior to at least 6-weeks before the start of the semester. However, the University accepts admission on a rolling basis. The deadlines for the different admission seasons are given below:
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | June 01 |
| Spring | October 01 |
| Summer | February 15 |
James Madison University International Admissions
The university JMU offers admissions to Bachelors as well as Master courses, and Doctorate courses in a number of disciplines. University enrols 21820 students with 2% International population. Meeting English proficiency requirements are very important along with academic excellence for admission at the university.
Admission Portal: Madison Application by creating a student account
Admission Fee: 70 USD
Documents Required
- Online Application form of JMU Online Application Portal.
- Original copy of high school transcripts must be in English.
- Proficiency in English shown through test scores
- One letter of recommendation
- Financial Certification of around 45,000 USD to verify financial support for 1 academic year
- Copy of Passport
- Official scores of various standardized tests
James Madison University English Proficiency Requirements
International Students need to exhibit that they are capable in the English Language to study in the USA. Rest of the students should provide scores of any one of the following tests, to be eligible for admissions at the James Madison University:
| Tests | Scores Required |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| GTEC CBT | 1210 |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 58 |
| TOEFL iBT | 81 |
| SAT (Evidenced Based Reading and Writing Portion) | 500 |
| Cambridge English Exam | 176 |
US Visa for International Students
International students need a visa to study in the USA for which they need to make an application to the nearest American embassy. After an applicant received an I 20 from the university which confirms his acceptance and admission, the visa application can be made.
To apply for the student visa, the following documents are required:
- A valid passport for minimum 6 months
- Acceptance letter from the institution
- I-20 form
- Academic record
- Financial documentation showing funds availability for a minimum one academic year.
- Photographs as specified
- Any other relevant documen
The student will be required to appear in person for an interview with the consulate.
James Madison University International Undergraduate Admissions
A number of undergraduate degrees in JMU are offered to the international students. The popular undergraduate programs include biology, followed by nursing, health sciences, interdisciplinary liberal studies, marketing, psychology, accounting, finance, and media arts and design. The institute offers 76 bachelor courses
Admission Portal: Coalition Application or the University official website.
Application Fee: 70 USD
Academic Requirements: The admission requirements for a few popular programs are given as follows:
- Completed application form
- Relevant High school transcripts and Secondary school degree if any
- Test scores- SAT/ ACT
- Proof of English proficiency tests scores for International applicants
- IELTS
- TOEFL and CAE
- One letter of recommendation
- Availability of adequate funding to cover the expenses for studying in the US.
The admission committee uses a holistic approach to evaluate the applications. Some factors taken into consideration by the undergraduate admission committee are:
- High school coursework, achievements, and merit
- Participation in extracurricular activities
- Performance in standardized test
- Non-academic achievements and community service
James Madison University International Graduate Admissions
There are around 53 masters courses to explore from. Popular gradaute degree programs of JMU are in Arts, Business, Communication, Education and Sciences etc for international students seeking to study in the USA.
Admission Portal: Coalition Application or the University official website
Application Fee: 70 USD
Graduate Admission Requirements
The requirements for admission in James Madison University graduate programs are listed below:
- Official transcripts translated in English
- Letter of recommendation from professors and/or professional colleagues
- GMAT or GRE
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Work Experience
- Evidence of funds available to cover the expenses
| Courses | Transcripts | GMAT/GRE | Work experience | Resume | LOR | Personal Statement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA in Information security | Required | GMAT/GRE | Required | Required | Required at least 2 | Required |
| M.Ed In Mathematics | Required | GRE | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| M.A. In Psychological Sciences | Required | GRE | Not Required | Required | Required at least 3 | Required |
| M.S. In Computer Science (Online) | Required | GRE | Not Required | Required | Not Required | Required |
| M.S. In Accounting | Required | GMAT | Not Required | Required | Not Required | Not Required |
The students who wish to apply to the college are prescribed to go through the admission prerequisites at James Madison University appropriately. Candidates ought to have every one of the required documents and test requirements for their admission process.
International candidates should apply well ahead of time as visa application requires some time.
FAQs
Ques. What are some of the popular programs at James Madison University?
Ans. The university is known for its most popular programs such as Communication, Business, Management, General Studies, Health Professions, Marketing, Humanities, Social Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Ques. Is admission at JMU easy or hard to get into?
Ans. The acceptance rate of the university is around 77% from the last 5 years. If you fulfill all the requirements it should not be difficult to get admission in the university.
Ques. What GPA do you need to get into James Madison University?
Ans. Candidates need about average high school evaluations to get into James Madison University. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at James Madison University was 3.55 on the 4.0 scale.
Ques. Does James Madison University provide diploma courses?
Ans. No, the institute does not offer diploma programs, instead it offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs.
Ques. Are SAT/ACT tests optional currently?
Ans. Yes, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, test scores are not required for candidates applying for admission to James Madison University and this will not impact merit scholarship consideration.
Placements & Recruiters
James Madison University Placement Details
James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.
Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States.
Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric
Average Package
N/A
Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.
Placement information is currently limited.
More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.
Rankings over the years
Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.
2021
Highlights
2021
2021
- Best overall country rank: #65
- Communication Studies: #36 in country
- Top source: ARWU
- 8 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Economics
- 3 ranking records in 2021
2022
Highlights
2022
2022
- Best overall country rank: #205
- Overall: #205 in country
- Top source: US News
- 1 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall
- 2 ranking records in 2022
2023
Highlights
2023
2023
- Best overall country rank: #205
- Overall: #205 in country
- Top source: US News
- 1 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall
- 1 ranking record in 2023
2024
Highlights
2024
2024
- Best overall country rank: #41
- Nursing: #35 in country
- Top source: US News
- 2 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Nursing
- 1 ranking record in 2024
2025
Highlights
2025
2025
- Best overall country rank: #280
- Psychology: #7 in country
- Top source: US News
- 3 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Psychology, Public Policy
- 2 ranking records in 2025
Contact Information
Student Reviews & Ratings
Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary
Overall score
41.1/10
Top Rated
Based on 0 ratings