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Key facts
- TypePublic
- International students202
- Nationalities43
- Total programs144
- University rankingNot 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.

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.

Programs
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Scholarships at James Madison University
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 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

What is the cost of living near James Madison University?
| Category | Cost (in United States Dollar) |
|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre | $1,652 |
| Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre | $1,349 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse) | $214 |
| Internet (60 Mbps unlimited) | $73 |
| Mobile phone plan (data + calls) | $61 |
| Monthly public transport pass | $65 |
| Monthly grocery basket | $350 |
| Coffee shop drink | $5 |
| Cinema or cultural event ticket | $15 |
| Gym membership | $45 |
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.

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