We stand behind every Duke.
Your JMU education doesn’t end at graduation.
It follows you into the real world and keeps working.
Two guarantees. Count on both.
One guarantee for you. One for the people who hire you.
For You
Employment Guarantee
JMU prepares every bachelor's degree graduate for a positive career outcome within a year: A job. Grad or professional school. The military. A service year. It all counts.
Haven't gotten there in 12 months? We're still here. JMU's doors remain open for you. No added cost.
For The People Who Hire You
Employer Guarantee
If an employer spots a gap in essential workplace skills, one to three years after graduation, JMU steps in with coaching and continued learning to close it.
No cost to the employer.
Proven record of student success
Class of 2025 outcomes show how JMU’s hands-on learning and employer connections prepare students to succeed after graduation. Explore Career Outcomes →
69%
of bachelor's graduates who went directly into the workforce chose their careers in Virginia, a five-year high
84%
of bachelor's graduates completed at least one work-based learning experience
95%
of bachelor's graduates reached a positive career outcome
Data reflects a knowledge rate of 76.2% for the Class of 2025
While you're at JMU
This is what ready looks like. From day one, you are building knowledge, real experience, and skills you'll use anywhere. So when your moment comes: a career, graduate or professional school, the military, a service year, you don’t just show up. You show up ready.
- Build a strong academic foundation through rigorous undergraduate coursework and research
- Find mentorship and guidance with faculty, staff and advisors who are invested in you
- Gain real-world experience through internships, research, community service, and work-based learning experiences
- Get career advice and meet with the University Career Center for resume help, interview preparation, career planning and job search guidance
- Grow your network by connecting with JMU faculty and staff, alumni, and employers
- Practice telling your story by learning how to share your experiences and strengths with employers and graduate programs
- Prepare for graduate school and employment by exploring programs, opportunities, requirements, and your next step
After you graduate
Most colleges send you off at graduation. JMU hands you a degree. And guarantees it. Beginning with the Class of 2030, any undergraduate alum still pursuing a positive career outcome a year after graduation can tap into a full set of resources, at no added cost.
- Continue meeting with a JMU career advisor and get ongoing help with your resume, interview tips, and job search
- Continue connections with employers and alumni through career fairs, networking events, and interviews
- Add more experience through work-based learning that strengthens your skills and resume
- Access customized coaching and sharpen your communication, teamwork, and other skills employers value
- Earn credentials in essential skills by completing modules in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, entrepreneurial thinking, and AI literacy
- Take additional undergraduate coursework that supports your goals, as class space allows
- Find career, learning, and networking resources in one place through a dedicated portal
A commitment to employers, too
We also stand behind JMU undergraduate alumni as they grow in their careers. Through a dedicated portal, employers can request coaching and professional development resources that help recent graduates strengthen essential workplace skills, one to three years after graduation, at no cost to the employer:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- AI literacy
President Jim Schmidt’s Quote
“At their core, The JMU Guarantees send a simple message: we walk beside our students while they are here and stand behind them after they graduate.”
It is JMU's commitment to help undergraduate students and undergraduate alumni prepare for their first opportunity after graduation and stay supported for what follows. It includes career advising, networking, continued learning, and other professional development resources.
It begins with the undergraduate Class of 2030.
Within 12 months of graduation, an undergraduate alum is employed full or part time, continuing their education, serving in the military, or in a volunteer or service position.
No. JMU cannot promise a particular position, employer, salary or location. The JMU Guarantee is a commitment to prepare you for a positive career outcome and to offer more support if you have not reached one within 12 months.
Career advice, including resume help, interview preparation and career coaching. Plus, alumni and employer networking and help finding more work-based learning.
Undergraduate alumni who have not reached a positive career outcome can access the alumni portal, learning modules, customized coaching and undergraduate courses, as class space permits.
Asynchronous, noncredit modules in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, entrepreneurial thinking, and AI literacy. Some offer badges or micro credentials you can share with employers and add to your resume.
Eligible undergraduate alumni who have not reached a positive career outcome within 12 months may enroll in undergraduate courses as class space is available. Selection, registration, and other details will be provided through the alumni portal.
Employers of recent JMU alumni can request resources and training that strengthen essential workplace skills. This support is available at an employer's request, one to three years after graduation.
Beginning with the Class of 2030, undergraduate alumni can access services through the alumni portal. More on requesting support will be shared as the program launches.
Career advising, coaching, networking, learning modules and eligible undergraduate coursework are available to qualifying undergraduate alumni at no added cost. Additional undergraduate coursework is subject to eligibility, availability, and program requirements.
Top 125
Best Colleges for Leaders
— TIME, 2025
170k+
alumni across the globe
100+
employers attend JMU's career & internship fair
#27
Best Public College in U.S.
— The Wall Street Journal, 2025
