Who we are

#1 most innovative university in the south by U.S. News & World Report

80% of JMU students do undergraduate research, an internship, a practicum or student teach

#1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges.

#3 Best Bang for the Buck in the Southeast by Washington Monthly

98% of 2019 JMU graduates were employed, in graduate school or involved in other career endeavors within six months of graduation

#5 in the nation for “students who made the right choice” by The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education

90% freshman retention rate (national average is 72%)

Being the Change

We know that success requires equal parts intellect and action. At JMU, that’s what Being the Change is all about.

JMU graduates are far more than merely educated. Members of a fellowship of doers, they know how to make things happen. They’ve honed their ability to think critically. They’ve learned the importance of a strong work ethic and have become committed to and skilled at collaborating with others. Diplomas in hand, they leave campus determined to live lives of meaning and pursue careers of purpose.

Equal parts intellect and action help mold JMU graduates.

Crafting the knowledge. Walking the walk. Seizing the day. Being the Change.

Facts and Figures

Tuition and Fees

Undergraduate (2021-22) - Per year
In-state tuition: $7,460
Comprehensive fee: $5,178
Room and board: $11,314
Total in-state: $23,952

Out-of-state tuition: $24,386
Comprehensive fee: $5,178
Room and board: $11,314
Total out-of-state: $40,878

Graduate (2021-22) - Per credit hour, most programs
In-state: $513
Out-of-state: $1,231 

Classes

• Student/faculty ratio: 16:1
• Average class size: 25 students
• Classes with fewer than 50 students: 88%
• Classes taught by professors: 98% 

Degree programs

• Degree programs offered: 139
• Undergraduate: 76
• Master's: 53
• Education specialist: 2
• Doctoral: 8 

Faculty

• Full-time instructional faculty: 1,070
• Part-time instructional faculty: 393
• Faculty with doctoral or terminal degree: 76%

We know that success requires equal parts intellect and action. At JMU, that’s what Being the Change is all about.

Lots of colleges and universities now claim that engagement is the next big thing in higher education. But providing engaged experiences has been central to James Madison University since its founding in 1908. In fact, the school’s first catalog included this passage written by its first President, Julian Burruss:

"… it is obvious that the work of the school can no longer be confined to theory and books, but must seek its material in real things, in nature, in the practical activities of industry and commerce, in the business, civic and social interests of life. Without depreciating the limitless stores of useful knowledge bound up in printed volumes, it must also draw from the outside world …"

Madison College: The First Fifty Years. 1908—1958. Raymond C. Dingledine, Jr. March 1959.

About Student Life

We know that happy minds thrive. And a beautiful setting with a supportive, active community fosters learning. When you come to campus, you’ll see how student life and campus involvement are a big deal here.

Living on Campus

Our students come from major cities and small towns. They come from Virginia and 45 other states, and they hail from more than 50 different countries.

JMU quickly feels like home for all students because this is a friendly community of learners that holds doors for one another, that is eager to meet new people, grab lunch between classes and even try a new fitness hobby. With so many rich offerings on campus, you are sure to find a home here.

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