To obtain your I-20 form, you need to demonstrate proof of funding. Here is what you should keep in mind as far as your finances are concerned while studying at JMU:
Expenses & Fees
When calculating expenses you will incur, you need to keep in mind the following costs and fees:
- I-901 SEVIS Fee: $350
- Visa fees
- International travel
- The International Student Administration Fee: $100 per semester
- Health Insurance Fee: approximately $650 per semester
- Books and school supplies
- Monthly rent & utilities: $500+
- Additional departmental fees
- Other personal expenses such as food, clothing, items for your living unit, etc.
We strongly urge you to:
- Bring $4,000, for your first couple of months at JMU, to offset expenses related to getting settled especially as administrative procedures can take time. (For example: if you have a GA, it could be many weeks before you get your first paycheck.)
- Anticipate spending $3,000 If you stay in the US over the summer, since you will need to continue paying for your lease.
Graduate Assistantships
- A GA or graduate assistantship (or teaching/doctoral assistantship) is a guaranteed on-campus job (based on 20hrs /week) which provides a stipend amount, and graduate tuition deduction for a certain number of credits per academic year, based on the GA's classification. For more info.
- Some GAs are specifically offered by academic departments to students who are pursuing degrees in that specific academic program. Other GAs are opened to anyone interested and qualified for the job.
- A GA will significantly reduce your graduate school expenses.
- To be considered for a GA:
- Go to Joblink
- Search and apply for GA positions. a resume, a cover letter and references will be needed.
- Only individuals who are selected for the next phase of the GA search will be contacted.
- Sign Up for Job Alerts to receive e-mail notifications every time a new GA is posted!
- Offer Letter- If you are the recipient of a GA, request that your immediate supervisor send you a written “offer letter” (see sample letter) and forward it to isss@jmu.edu so that we can update your I-20 form accordingly.
Bank Account
Having a bank account in the U.S. will easily facilitate the transfer of funds (between your home country and yourself, but also for JMU to transfer your graduate assistantship stipend to you). However, please note that some banks, like CommonWealth One Bank (located on campus), do not allow individuals without a Social Security Number to open an account. Bank of America, Atlantic Union Bank, and Wells Fargo will allow you to open a bank account without one. They are located right outside campus and within the many JMU bus routes. Our office works with Atlantic Union Bank. as they are really collaborative, and are offering very minimal fees such as overseas transaction fees.
Business Office
- The University Business Office (or UBO) is the office that oversees that any fees and payments are paid for. Different payment methods (including international payments to JMU) are provided.
- Installment payment plans are available for the fall and spring semesters to all enrolled students. You may want to consider signing up, in advance, for a payment plan to make it easier to offset making large payments all at once.
- M3 short for Madison Money Manager, is the student financial account portal. This is where you can view or make an online payment to your student account.
SSN
A social security number (SSN) is what allows a company/vendor/employer to check someone’s financial history in the US. While it is not required to complete interest/application forms, certain situations will arise where you will be asked to provide your SSN. Not having one may mean that you have to pay a more significant deposit or an extra fee.
If you will be working (on campus only) as a student/graduate assistant, you will be eligible to apply for an SSN. You will therefore be able to obtain an SSN, but a good month after you arrive on campus.
The application process is an important one that will be explained and completed during the required graduate international students' session.
MSC 5731
100 East Grace Street
Room 2nd Floor
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
