In 1907, the citizens of Harrisonburg, a rural city two hours south of Washington DC, campaigned to bring a new Normal School to the region. Their ultimate success gave birth to an institution that would claim a century with innovative, forward-thinking educators and legions of students eager to make the status quo obsolete. In 1908 the Madison began — and it has not stopped or slowed down since.
First-class educationYou will share a close relationship with the faculty (teaching staff), and the curriculum is innovative and lively. Students have a high level of involvement in the classroom, the lab and activities around and off campus.
The Service Learning Program is nationally known for providing the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real world situations.
The University offers an unforgettable study experience, combining the very best of American education and college life. The University represents the perfect blend of focused learning and true university spirit.
The mission of JMU Research and Scholarship (R&S) is to serve and support faculty and student research and scholarship, serve as an agent and advocate for faculty and student interests, and act as a ‘divining rod’ to locate and secure resources, partnerships and collaborations that will move JMU’s vision and mission forward.
CASE Internship opportunities are typically available each summer from late May/early June through August. Interns familiarize themselves with the Center’s activities and have many opportunities to attend outreach and educational events, such as Floyd Energy Festival and mini KidWind challenges. CASE utilizes volunteers throughout the year at various events, both local and regional. Please contact us if you are interested in an internship or volunteer opportunity!
Career Opportunities
Academic Student Services is located in Sheldon Hall and coordinates the academic affairs response to students who are at risk academically and the re-entry process for students who leave the university while on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension.
The office also handles any re-entry student (regardless of academic standing) who has been gone for two years or more.
The unit oversees the Academic Success Program (ASP) and further supports the university by facilitating the development of program specific articulation agreement addendums and coordinates the review and revision of existing guaranteed admission agreements with VCCS institutions and Richard Bland College.
The Office of Residence Life is delighted that you’ll be making your home with us this year.
The foundation for the services we offer is rooted in the following values:
Carrier Library is named for the fourth president of James Madison University, Dr. Ronald E. Carrier, and his wife, Edith J. Carrier. The original building was constructed in 1940 and named Madison Memorial Library. The library was renamed in honor of the Carriers in 1984.
The Information Technology Help Desk serves as the central point of contact in Information Technology for the computing support needs of the JMU community of applicants, students, faculty, staff, affiliates and alumni.
The University Health Center provides care and education that helps students be well, stay well and do well.
The University Health Center is staffed by a medical team of board-certified providers, certified health education specialists, and substance abuse prevention specialists who administer care in a confidential and professional manner.
The Office of Residence Life is delighted that you’ll be making your home with us this year.
The foundation for the services we offer is rooted in the following values:
James Madison University is committed to the academic needs of its student-athletes as shown by the university’s outstanding NCAA graduation rates. A major reason student-athletes are successful in the classroom is because of the support services provided through academic advising and student development.
At the beginning of each fall semester, over 300 of JMU’s clubs and organizations come together at Student Org Night. This event includes music, food and raffles, but above all, it gives you the opportunity to meet your peers and browse all of the ways to get involved on campus.
James Madison University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur.
Accrediting Agencies:
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 7 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 2083 | 2249 | 2242 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Based on 22 reviews
James Madison University provides a perfect balance of academics and campus life. The facilities support learning and growth, and the professors truly care about students. The career services team does a great job preparing students for the job market. I'm really glad and proud to be a student at JMU and i hope anyone who reads this knows how amazing this institution is
I cannot overstate the impact JMU has made on my life as a young adult. I've never been somewhere with such a tightly knit community. There are limitless inclusive groups to join, study programs to explore, and faculty to help you along the way. It was the perfect place to go from a child to a young adult. The business program in particular was in depth, educational, inspiring, and competitive. I was able to study all the different niches within business, create my own business plan, and finally dive deeply into finance (my major) to discover different career paths.
The Professors here at JMU truly care for all of their students. They will go out of their way to help you (even with things not related to class). The business program taught me a lot and prepared my for the real world. The overall energy of the school was positive and everyone wants to see you succeed.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
How helpful were your teachers?
How was your everyday life?
Did the university provide support for your career development?
Wishlist