James Madison University

James Madison University (JMU), located in Virginia's scenic Shenandoah Valley, stands as a dynamic public research institution founded in 1908. Originally established as a women's normal school, it evolved into a comprehensive university renamed in honor of the fourth U.S. President. Today, JMU serves over 21,000 undergraduates and 1,700 graduate students across 130+ programs, emphasizing engaged learning with world-class faculty dedicated to teaching excellence. Recognized as a Public R2 Doctoral University, it excels in NCAA Division I athletics within the Sun Belt Conference. Recent accolades include being named the Best Public College by The Wall Street Journal (2025), Best College for Leaders by TIME (2025), and one of America's Best College Campuses by Niche (2026). The university fosters 'Being the Change' through critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application, preparing graduates for impactful careers. Nestled near Massanutten Mountain, JMU's vibrant campus promotes student success via academics, extracurriculars, and a supportive community that nurtures personal growth and lifelong relationships.