To apply to JMU’s Adult Degree Program, you must be 22 years or older, have a minimum of 30 transferrable college credits, and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Important Deadlines for the Adult Degree Program

In conjunction with the James Madison University admissions office, the Adult Degree Program is happy to announce that applications for 2022 will not include an application fee. JMU is committed to supporting our adult learners and making educational opportunities more accessible for those looking to return to school and further their careers. The elimination of the $70 application fee will help the university continue to open doors and broaden pathways for non-traditional students as we move into the future.

In order for an application to be considered complete, we must receive both your application and your official transcripts from previous institutions by the deadlines above. Applications completed after the above deadlines will be processed for the next admissions term. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to this rule.

To review your eligible credits, please utilize our Transfer Credit Equivalency Guide. You will need to create a Transferology account in order to see the results. Please note that Transferology does not provide students with an official Transfer Credit Report. View Eligible Credits

For applicants returning to JMU

If you previously attended JMU, check out our Return to Madison information for returning students.

For applicants new to JMU

Download our Application Checklist.

1. Our application is online.
   To begin: create an account, select the Adult Degree Program, and start completing the application. Once you have created an account, you can return at any time to continue working on your application.

   Get Started

2. Order official transcripts from all universities and colleges where you received credit. The ADP admissions staff will conduct a preliminary review of your transcripts to ensure you meet the minimum number of transferrable credits. Your transcripts will then be forwarded to the Registrar’s Office. Transcripts may be sent electronically to adp@jmu.edu or mailed to:

   JMU Adult Degree Program
   127 West Bruce Street, MSC 6906 
   Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

   You can login to our application portal at any time to view the status of your application. A report showing the number of approved transfer credits will also be viewable in this portal for admitted students.

3. Once your application and transcripts are received by our admissions office, they will conduct a residency verification to determine if you qualify for in-state tuition.

4. If you are admitted to the program, our admissions office will send an email welcoming you into the program, along with a Tuition Deposit invoice for $250. This deposit is applied toward the tuition cost of your first term but is non-refundable after the first day of classes.