James Madison University is a public institution that was started in 1908. It has a undergraduate enrollment of 19,895, its environment is city, and the campus size is 721 acres. It uses a semester-based academic year. Its in-state tuition/fees are $12,330; out-of-state tuition/fees are $29,230
James Madison University is situated in Harrisonburg, Va., just over two hours from both Washington, D.C., and Richmond. There are a variety of clubs and organizations on campus—learners interested in film can join the Cinemuse Film Club, or those with underwater pursuits in mind can join the Scuba Diving Club. The University Program Board is a student-run organization that puts on entertainment and educational events and activities for the campus community. A small but strong Greek system encompasses more than 30 fraternities and sororities. The James Madison Dukes, as JMU’s sports teams are called, compete at the NCAA Division I level, and their mascot is the Duke Dog. Only freshmen are required to live on campus in one of the more than 30 residence halls.

JMU is comprised of seven colleges serving undergraduate and graduate learners. Graduate programs are offered in the College of Business, College of Education, and College of Integrated Science and Technology, among others. Undergraduates can choose from more than 70 majors. JMU also has a strong study abroad program offering semester studies opportunities in Antwerp, Belgium; Beijing; Florence; London; and Salamanca, Spain, in addition to exchange programs through partner institutions all over the world. The school was not James Madison University until 1976; prior to that, it was known as Madison College.