Study abroad at James Madison University

Learn more about studying at James Madison University as an international student.

James Madison University campus view
James Madison University logo

Key facts

  • Type
    Public
  • International students
    202
  • Nationalities
    43
  • Total programs
    144
  • University ranking
    Not ranked

Study abroad at James Madison University

Named after the fourth president of the United States, James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university based in Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA. JMU is surrounded by the mountains of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, just two hours from the nation’s capital of Washington, D.C.

The University offers 77 undergraduate, 46 graduate, and 8 doctoral degrees, as well as pathway programs for international students. These programs prepare you for mainstream degree programs at JMU.

There are more than 350 clubs and organizations available on campus, including things like astronomy, film and skiing. The University Recreation Center (UREC) and University Park provide are a range of sporting and fitness facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, climbing wall, yoga studio, and indoor and outdoor sports courts.

Illustration depicting a student navigating the journey of higher education. Elements include a diploma, graduation cap, magnifying glass with a puzzle piece, books, a "Hi!" speech bubble, and a university building in the background.

Why study at James Madison University

  • Top-ranked University

    JMU is one of the South's top three best regional universities (US News & World Report, 2021)

  • Student staff ratio

    The University as a student-staff ratio of 16:1 which helps students get a personalized education

  • Satisfaction

    96% of JMU students are satisfied with their education

  • Value for money

    The University is one of the South's best value schools (US News & World Report, 2021)

  • Exceptional teaching

    JMU has the fourth-best undergraduate teaching programs amongst Regional Universities in the South (US News & World Report, 2021)

Location

James Madison University

800 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22807

Located just two hours from Washington, D.C., the city of Harrisonburg, Virginia blossoms in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The Friendly City provides a variety of things to see and places to eat. And it doesn’t hurt to end each day with a stunning sunset grazing across the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Illustration of famous landmarks like a tower, a classical building, and a modern skyscraper; a location marker, interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Scholarships at James Madison University

  • Charles S. and Bertha Mast Graybeal Scholarship

    Official page

    A JMU-funded award of up to $6,000 per year for currently-enrolled international undergraduate students, applied toward tuition. It is administered by JMU's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office specifically as a resource for international students, and is restricted to F-1 visa-holding, degree-seeking undergraduates who are Juniors or Seniors (minimum 60 credits) with a demonstrated commitment to global diversity and community, unexpected financial hardship, and a minimum GPA requirement. It is open to applicants "from all over the world," confirming eligibility for non-domestic (international) undergraduate students, not just US citizens or residents. Applications are submitted through the Madison Scholarships Hub by April 1.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

  • International Year tuition

    US$25,118 per program

  • Undergraduate tuition

    US$35,600 per year

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near James Madison University?

Local figures aren't available yet — values reflect USA-wide averages.

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$1,652Range: $1,046 to $4,269
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,349Range: $891 to $2,857
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$214Range: $130 to $400
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$73Range: $50 to $110
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$61Range: $30 to $110
Monthly public transport pass$65Range: $35 to $138
Monthly grocery basket$350Range: $250 to $500
Coffee shop drink$5Range: $3 to $9
Cinema or cultural event ticket$15Range: $11 to $23
Gym membership$45Range: $20 to $135

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for James Madison University

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

Life at James Madison University

Support is on hand from your first day at JMU. If you join a pathway program, you’ll study at the International Study Center which gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll get the full JMU campus experience, plus the care of a supportive community that will help you adapt and thrive as an international student.

The International Study Center has 20 support facilities including the University Health Center, the Office of Academic and Career Planning, and Learning Centers. There are also a wealth of services, courses, and excursions available that are aimed at helping international students adapt and excel at JMU.

Many international students live on campus for their first year, and there are many options of residence halls and apartments. All rooms include wireless internet, cable TV, all utilities, access to study lounges and a variety of recreational areas. After the first year, you can choose from a selection of nearby off-campus housing.

Illustration showing aspects of student life, including a student with a book and pencil, various books, a laptop, fast food, and iconic educational symbols like a graduation cap and a university building.

Facilities

  • All Weather Sports Pitches
    • Baseball Pitches
    • Athletics Track
    • volleyball courts
    • Basketball Courts
    • Tennis Courts
  • Clubs & Organisations
    • 300 Clubs & Organizations
  • Fitness Centre
    • Treatment Rooms
    • Free Weights
    • Fitness Classes
    • Fitness Center Physiotherapist
    • Personal Trainers
    • Machines
  • Food & Restaurants
    • 2 Cafe’s
    • 24 Restaurants
    • 2 Bars
  • Transport
    • Campus parking
    • Car Rental
    • Bike Rental
    • Campus Bus Service
    • On-Campus Shuttle
  • Healthcare & Medical
    • Campus Pharmacy
    • Emergency Contraception
    • Counselling & Mental Health Services
    • Travel Vaccinations
    • Campus Doctor
    • Physiotherapy
  • Library
    • Group Study Rooms
    • Computer labs
    • Quiet Areas
  • Praying Rooms
    • Group Praying Rooms
    • Chaplaincy
  • IT Support
    • Campus Wireless Connectivity
  • Sports Facilities
    • Sport facilities
    • Natural Turf American Football Pitches
    • Natural Turf Soccer Pitches
  • Tutoring Support
    • Academic Tutoring & Support

Student reviews for James Madison University

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