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, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 22,601 ; Graduate: 1,988Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 5% ; Graduate: 34%Graduation Rate:
80%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$69,954Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$20,093Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
42%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$10,140Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by James Madison University
All Programs
Computer Science & IT
Education
James Madison University offers a clear path to finish a degree and build job skills. In at least one major, students complete both a practicum and an internship before graduation. That hands-on work adds strong career prep and real practice.
Annual tuition is listed at $31,604. Day to day, value comes from access to professors, teaching assistants, and practical training tied to degree progress. Students who keep a steady pace with required field work can get the most from the program.
Planning matters, especially when aid and scholarship steps run through different offices. With a clear plan for cost, credits, and time, students can stay on track to finish.
At James Madison University, support is strongest in the classroom. Professors and TAs are easy to reach and willing to help outside class. In accounting, students often describe faculty as going the extra mile. Day to day, teaching support feels steady and reliable.
Office help can feel less smooth than class help. Financial aid and scholarship questions may go through different offices. That can mean extra back-and-forth for mental health or money notes. Even so, academic help is responsive, and students can get answers with persistence.
JMU’s online fit depends on structure and pace. Some paths include applied requirements. In at least one major, practicum and internship are required. That means more schedule planning during online study.
Instructor access is a clear plus for online classes. Professors and TAs help outside class. Course depth can vary by class and major. Some classes feel basic, while others are more hands-on. The best fit is for students who want regular support and can manage a planned schedule.
At JMU, many classes feel active and practical, with strong faculty leadership. Professors and TAs are often available outside class, which helps students stay on track day to day.
Class quality can vary by department and course level. Even so, many programs offer solid hands-on and research work. Psychology, for example, includes research options connected to faculty projects.
Some courses move at a more basic pace, and a few areas could use more advanced practice. Overall, teaching at JMU is a clear strength, with deeper training in some majors than others.
James Madison University offers a mostly positive student experience. Faculty support is a real strength. Professors and TAs are often available outside class. Students get steady help as they move through courses.
Academic quality can vary by program and class. Some courses feel more basic than expected. Others offer deeper learning and hands-on training. In some majors, practicum and internship work are required.
That can build career skills, but it also takes early planning. Support works best in the classroom, where help feels personal and direct. Office processes can take more effort to sort out. Aid and scholarship steps run through different offices. JMU is a good fit for students who want engaged instructors and can stay organized with program details.
James Madison University offers a mostly positive student experience. Faculty support is a real strength. Professors and TAs are often available outside class. Students get steady help as they move through courses.
Academic quality can vary by program and class. Some courses feel more basic than expected. Others offer deeper learning and hands-on training. In some majors, practicum and internship work are required.
That can build career skills, but it also takes early planning. Support works best in the classroom, where help feels personal and direct. Office processes can take more effort to sort out. Aid and scholarship steps run through different offices. JMU is a good fit for students who want engaged instructors and can stay organized with program details.
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
James Madison University is located in Virginia
Virginia at a Glance:
Top Majors in Virginia:
Top Incentives in Virginia:
- Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant: Up to $4,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in Virginia:
- 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