1908
Harrisonburg, VA

About James Madison University

The Virginia Assembly approved the opening of the Normal and Industrial School for Women in 1908 in Harrisonburg, VA. Progressing from a public all-girls teaching college to a full-fledged co-educational liberal arts institution, James Madison University adopted its “University” status by the 1970s. Today, nearly 20,000 students attend James Madison University, which encompasses more than seven hundred acres, and students can choose from over one hundred degree programs.

James Madison University online opportunities for adults, nontraditional, and professional students offer credit and noncredit programs. JMU online programs also provide one-time courses, certificates, and complete degrees. Off-campus, abroad, and combination programs span disciplines from M.Ed. and MBAs to MSN, political science, and language degrees.

More benefits of JMU online degrees:

  • Designed with the same standards as on-campus courses
  • Customizable programs of study
  • Online programs for non-degree-seeking students

Accreditation & Licensing

James Madison University is accredited by:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Type:

4-year, Public

Highest Level Offered:

Doctor's degree

Religious Affiliation:

Not applicable

Enrollment:

Undergraduate: 22,601 ; Graduate: 1,988

Percent of Fully Online Students:

Undergraduate: 5% ; Graduate: 34%

Graduation Rate:

80%

Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:

$69,954

Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):

$20,093

Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:

42%

Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:

$10,140

Yellow Ribbon Program:

Yes

Credit for Military Training:

Yes

Online Programs offered by James Madison University

Check Program Availability

All Programs

Computer Science & IT

Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Information Security

Education

Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology
Graduate Certificate in eLearning
Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Assessment Specialist
Graduate Certificate in Teacher Leadership
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Master of Education in Educational Technology
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Master of Education in Mathematics
Best Buy degree
Master of Education in Teacher Leadership

Healthcare

Popular degree
Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology

Nursing

Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice

Frequently Asked Questions About James Madison University

Is James Madison University accredited?

Yes. James Madison University is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

How many online programs does James Madison University offer?

James Madison University offers 11 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.

What degree levels does James Madison University offer?

James Madison University offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.

How should students contact admissions at James Madison University?

Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.

Is James Madison University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?

Roughly speaking, James Madison University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.

How quickly can I enroll at James Madison University?

Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.

What should transfer students ask James Madison University first?

The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.

What GPA do most James Madison University programs require?

GPA requirements typically range from 2.5 to 3.2, and 3.0 appears most often.

Is James Madison University military friendly?

James Madison University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.

How can students request information from James Madison University through GetEducated?

Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.

What documents are most commonly required for James Madison University applications?

Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, Occupational License, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.

Does James Madison University accept life experience credit?

James Madison University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.

Are James Madison University programs fully online or mixed?

James Madison University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.

What kinds of online programs does James Madison University offer?

James Madison University has online program options in areas such as Education, Nursing, Computer Science & IT, and Healthcare; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.

Do any James Madison University programs have specialized accreditation?

Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CAA-ASHA).

Are any admission tests required for James Madison University programs?

Some listed programs include GRE requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.

Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at James Madison University?

Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.

Do any James Madison University programs have state authorization limitations?

Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.

How often can students start at James Madison University?

Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For James Madison University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.

How should working adults compare James Madison University programs?

Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.

Featured Ranking Reports

James Madison University is featured in 6 of our ranking reports!

GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.

We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.

Geographic and Educational Overview

Google Map

James Madison University is located in Virginia

Virginia at a Glance:

State flag of VA
Richmond
8,631,393
42,775 sq mi
15
38
23
$13,200.00

Top Majors in Virginia:

Top Incentives in Virginia:

Top Career Pathways in Virginia:

Cybersecurity
  • Entry Level: Security Analyst ($80,000)
  • Mid Level: Security Engineer ($120,000)
  • Senior Level: Security Director ($175,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Cybersecurity
  • Certifications: Security+, CISSP
* Data is approximate and may be AI-enhanced