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Institution Profile
James Madison University
James Madison University
Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public university located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are here because they want to pursue knowledge and make teaching their No. 1 priority.

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Academics

Freshman Definition
A freshman is defined as a student that has graduated from high school or holds a GED equivalency that has not taken any...see moreA freshman is defined as a student that has graduated from high school or holds a GED equivalency that has not taken any college coursework after high school graduation.
College Fit
JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as...see moreJMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges.
Freshman Student Catalog Year
Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance.
English Language Proficiency
International applicants must provide test scores that show English language pro...see moreInternational applicants must provide test scores that show English language proficiency. https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/international-admissions-process.shtml.
Admissions and Financial Aid

Application Fee
The online application fee is $70 and is not refundable.
Application Type(s)
JMU has its own application and also accepts the Common Applicaton.
Transcripts
Freshman applicants are required to submit an up-to-date high school transcript (including senior-year curriculum). GED ...see moreFreshman applicants are required to submit an up-to-date high school transcript (including senior-year curriculum). GED holders must submit their official GED scores.
Tests
Freshman applicants (high school graduates and GED holders) have the option to send in SAT or ACT scores. Electronic sub...see moreFreshman applicants (high school graduates and GED holders) have the option to send in SAT or ACT scores. Electronic submission directly from the testing agency is required.
Essay
Students have the option to write a one-page personal statement to serve as their essay.
Letter of Recommendation
Students have the option to send in up to one letter of recommendation. Applicants list their recommender as part of the...see moreStudents have the option to send in up to one letter of recommendation. Applicants list their recommender as part of the application process. Recommenders will be sent an email on the applicant’s behalf requesting the recommendation.
Interview
Interviews are not part of our admissions process.
Important Dates

Freshman Application Deadline
Fall
1/15/2023
Freshman Application Deadline
Spring
10/1/2023
Freshman Financial Aid Date
3/1/2023
Freshman Priority Application Deadline
Fall
11/1/2023
Freshman Financial Aid Date
3/1/2023
Academics

Transfer Definition
A transfer student is a student that has graduated from high school (or holds a GED equivalency) AND has taken courses i...see moreA transfer student is a student that has graduated from high school (or holds a GED equivalency) AND has taken courses in college after high school graduation.
College Fit
JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as...see moreJMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges.
Associate Transfer Degree Completion
Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment o...see moreCompletion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml
Transfer Student Catalog Year
Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance.
Accepts Credits for Prior Learning
JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB and CIE for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior ...see moreJMU accepts and reviews AP, IB and CIE for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record.
Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar?s office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise.
Course Transfer Criteria
Min grade for courses to transfer: C
General Education Programs
JMU accepts the UCGS and Passport programs to fulfill certain General Education requirements.
English Language Proficiency
International applicants must provide test scores that show English language pro...see moreInternational applicants must provide test scores that show English language proficiency. https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/international-admissions-process.shtml.
Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) Application Process
Transfer applicants from a VCCS institution must submit a Letter of Intent prior...see moreTransfer applicants from a VCCS institution must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml
Admissions and Financial Aid

Application Fee
The online application fee is $70 and must be paid via credit card when Apply Web- JMU?s online application. Do not subm...see moreThe online application fee is $70 and must be paid via credit card when Apply Web- JMU?s online application. Do not submit cash, checks or money orders. The fee is nonrefundable
Application Type(s)
JMU has its own application and also accepts the Common Application and Coalition application.
Transcripts
Transfer applicants are required to submit official high school transcripts (or official GED scores) along with all coll...see moreTransfer applicants are required to submit official high school transcripts (or official GED scores) along with all college transcripts (including DE coursework).
Tests
SATs/ACTs are not used as a part of the transfer process.
Essay
Students have the option to write a one-page personal statement to serve as their essay.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are not accepted for transfer applicants.
Interview
Interviews are not part of our admissions process.
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
67% (Fall 2022)
Estimate
Minimum GPA
3.0
Estimate
Important Dates

Transfer Application Deadline
Fall
3/1/2023
Transfer Application Deadline
Spring
10/1/2023
Transfer Financial Aid Date
3/1/2023
Explore Our Majors

The card links below take you to pages on the James Madison University website. Find detailed information on James Madison University programs and courses in this portal.
Academic Options

Flexible Degree Options
Online Degree Options Available
Weekend/Evening Courses Available
Summer Courses Available
Concurrent Enrollment
Offers High School Dual Enrollment
Reverse Transfer
Campus Services and Engagement

Cultural Diversity Office
Military Friendly

Credit for Military Experience
GI Bill/Tuition Assistance
Helpful Links

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