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Report Card
I did not enjoy the general education classes that I had to take as requirements. I found that they were boring, and the teachers were just as uninterested in them as the students were. However, now that I am in my major classes, I find that I am having more fun. Clearly, it is because I am learning about things that I am interested in, but the teachers seem to be more excited to teach the information, as well.
- anonymous on Academics at James Madison University
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Overall Experience

James Madison - Harrisonburg, VA

Photo by taberandrew.
Used under Creative Commons.

Students note that Harrisonburg comes up short, as far as bars and nightclubs go. As a result, apartments and houses have become the main party venues. Some students complain about the fact that most of JMU’s students are heavily involved in the party scene. On Monday morning, as you dodge empty kegs and red plastic cups on your walk from the apartments to campus, it’s hard to believe that not everyone takes part in the weekly hullabaloo. However, if you choose to abstain, even the most dedicated of drinkers will most likely respect your choice.

Although students will lodge some minor complaints about the excessively flourishing festivities, the whimsical weather, the perpetual parking pitfalls, and the lack of notable nightlife, the overall consensus is that JMU is a lovely location to live. With JMU’s beautifully landscaped campus, the close proximity of the luscious Shenandoah Valley, the knowledgeable professors, friendly staff, and warm-hearted student body, it’s not a huge surprise that students spend four or more very happy years at James Madison University. Freshmen, upperclassmen, graduates, and transfers agree that James Madison is a unique place to receive an education. The amiable attitude around town and campus has created a truly welcoming environment at James Madison University and helped Harrisonburg live up to its nickname, “the Friendly City.”

By The Numbers

General Information:
James Madison University
800 S. Main St.
Harrisonburg, VA 22807

Control:
Public

Academic Calendar:
Semester

Religious Affiliation:
None

Founded:
1908

Web Site:
Main Phone:
(540) 568-6211

Full-Time Undergraduates:
15,651

Part-Time Undergraduates:
763

Total Male Undergraduates:
6,512

Total Female Undergraduates:
9,902

Overall Acceptance Rate:
59%

Early Decision Acceptance Rate:
Not offered

Early Action Acceptance Rate:
52%

Regular Acceptance Rate:
64%

Total Applicants:
18,352

Total Acceptances:
11,660

Freshman Enrollment:
3,867

Early Action Deadline:
November 1

Early Action Notification:
January 15

Regular Decision Notification:
April 1

Must-Reply-By Date:
May 1

Transfer Applications Received:
1,861

Transfer Applications Accepted:
1,127

Transfer Application Acceptance Rate:
61%

SAT I or ACT Required?:
Either

SAT I Range (25th–75th Percentile):
1050–1230

SAT I Verbal Range (25th–75th Percentile):
520–610

SAT I Math Range (25th–75th Percentile):
530–620

Freshman Retention Rate:
91%

Application Fee:
$40

Supplemental Forms?:
Yes

Admissions E-Mail:
Admissions Web Site:
In-State Tuition:
$3,420

Room and Board:
$7,108

Books and Supplies:
$838

Average Need-Based Financial Aid Package (including loans, grants, work study, and other sources):
$8,116

Students Who Applied for Financial Aid:
78%

Applicants Who Received Financial Aid:
49%

Financial Aid Forms Deadline:
March 1

Financial Aid Phone:
(540) 568-7820

Financial Aid E-Mail:
Financial Aid Web Site:

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