James Madison University
Harrisonburg, United States • Founded 1908 • THE 2021 #1001-1527
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Founded in 1908, the James Madison University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Harrisonburg (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Virginia.
Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, James Madison University (JMU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. James Madison University (JMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 116-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
JMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Looking to reach James Madison University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
These figures give a quick read on James Madison University's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.
Academic Structures
The schools and colleges that constitute James Madison University's academic body are organised below. Each often controls its own admissions criteria, scholarships, and programme entry standards.
Unit 8 items
- College of Arts and Letters
- College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Health And Behavioral Studies College of Graduate and Outreach Programs
- College of Integrated Science and Engineering
- College of Science and Mathematics
- College of Visual and Performing Arts
- Honors College
Programs Offered
James Madison University's programmes, with filter and level-based grouping. The combination of search and tier view makes shortlisting faster across large catalogues.
92 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 49 programmes
Showing 10 of 49.
Master's Degree 26 programmes
Showing 10 of 26.
Doctorate 7 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 10 programmes
How to apply to James Madison University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at James Madison University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. James Madison University runs 92 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Before applying to James Madison University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
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3
Assemble your application package
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with James Madison University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Submit your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.jmu.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (540) 568 6211. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about James Madison University
Quick reference for James Madison University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
In what year was James Madison University established?
James Madison University was founded in 1908 (approximately 118 years ago).
In which city is James Madison University?
James Madison University is based in Harrisonburg, United States.
What is James Madison University's control type?
James Madison University operates as a public institution.
How many students study at James Madison University?
James Madison University has approximately 20,888 students.
How is James Madison University ranked?
James Madison University is ranked THE 2021 #1001-1527.
What is James Madison University's academic structure?
The institution comprises 8 academic units.
Who recognises James Madison University?
Yes, James Madison University is recognised by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
What is James Madison University's official website?
You can find James Madison University online at www.jmu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Industry partnerships of the United States's top universities signal employer engagement at the apex of the system. Lower-ranked institutions including James Madison University may still partner with strong employers locally.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Below: other National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member institutions, alongside James Madison University.
Faculties at nearby universities
Also in Harrisonburg: universities located close to James Madison University.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Other institutions in the United States teaching Education & Teaching are listed below for comparison with James Madison University.
Universities Compared with James Madison University
The institutions below are of a similar academic scale to James Madison University.
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