Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public university located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are here because they want to pursue knowledge and make teaching their No. 1 priority.
Harrisonburg, Virginia
21,006 undergraduate students
1,752 graduate students
130+ programs of study
Public R2 Doctoral University
NCAA D-I Sun Belt Conference
Best Public College in U.S.
—The Wall Street Journal, 2025
Best Colleges for Leaders
—TIME, 2025
Best College Campuses in America
—Niche, 2025
Academics
With more than 130 programs of study, there is plenty to explore. From day one to graduation, we are here to help you work harder than you have imagined, learn new things about the world and, perhaps most importantly, learn new things about yourself.
Student Life
Outside the classroom, students are given a world of opportunities to live their best life and form relationships that will last a lifetime.
Location is Everything
We know that happy minds thrive. And a beautiful setting with a supportive, active community fosters learning.
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.
Crafting the knowledge. Walking the walk. Seizing the day. Being the Change.
President Madison
The brilliant James Madison saw how representative democracy depends on active and responsible participation. Our graduates carry that torch. So do we.
