Exploring James Madison University's Student Population

James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university in Harrisonburg, Virginia, with a total undergraduate enrollment of over 20,000 students. The university has a semester-based academic calendar and offers 52 bachelor's degrees, 70 majors, and 139 degree programs. JMU's sports teams are known as the Dukes and compete at the NCAA Division I level.

In Fall 2023, James Madison University had 21,008 undergraduate students enrolled

In Fall 2023, James Madison University (JMU) had 21,008 undergraduate students enrolled. This is a large public university with a campus size of 721 acres in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Founded in 1908 as a women's college, JMU has expanded over the years and now offers a comprehensive range of academic programs. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1 and an acceptance rate of around 76% to 78%.

JMU provides its students with numerous opportunities, including research and study abroad programs. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate majors, with more than 70 options available. Students can also join various clubs and organizations on campus, such as the Cinemuse Film Club and the Scuba Diving Club. Additionally, JMU has a strong Greek system with over 30 fraternities and sororities.

The university's sports teams, known as the James Madison Dukes, compete at the NCAA Division I level, and their mascot is the Duke Dog. Freshmen are required to live on campus, with more than 30 residence halls available. JMU also has a strong focus on academic excellence, with small class sizes and a six-year graduation rate of 81%.

JMU is committed to making education accessible and offers various scholarships, including merit-based, need-based, and transfer scholarships. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 21,008 in Fall 2023, JMU continues to be a vibrant and dynamic institution, providing its students with a well-rounded educational experience.

The university's acceptance rate for 2022 was 78.3%

James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It was founded in 1908 as a women's college and has since expanded to become a comprehensive university. The university's acceptance rate for 2022 was 78.3%, with 24,062 admissions out of 30,727 applications. This acceptance rate is lower than that of 2021, which was 86.3%. The number of applicants to the university increased by 45.1% from 2021 to 2022, while admissions grew by 31.7%.

JMU offers a wide range of academic programs and has a large student body. As of Fall 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of over 21,000 students and a campus size of 721 acres. The university comprises seven colleges and offers various undergraduate and graduate programs. JMU also has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, ensuring that students receive a quality education.

The university provides numerous opportunities for its students, including research and study abroad programs. It also has a strong Greek system and a wide variety of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in. JMU's sports teams, known as the Dukes, compete at the NCAA Division I level and have a large following.

With its high acceptance rate, large enrollment, and comprehensive academic offerings, James Madison University is a popular and accessible choice for many students seeking a quality education in Virginia.

20,009 students were enrolled in 2012

James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university in Harrisonburg, Virginia, founded in 1908. The university has grown significantly since its early days, and in 2012, 20,009 students were enrolled. This number included both undergraduate and graduate students, with the total undergraduate enrollment in 2023 being over 21,000.

JMU offers a wide range of academic programs and majors for its students. The university is comprised of seven colleges serving undergraduate and graduate students. These colleges include the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Integrated Science and Technology, among others. Undergraduates can choose from more than 70 majors, while the university offers a total of 139 degree programs.

In addition to its academic offerings, JMU also provides a vibrant campus life with various clubs and organizations. The university has over 400 clubs and organizations, catering to a range of interests, including film, scuba diving, and Greek life. The university's sports teams, known as the James Madison Dukes, compete at the NCAA Division I level and have a beloved mascot, the Duke Dog.

JMU's campus has expanded over the years and currently covers 721 acres. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with the original Bluestone side of campus located on South Main Street. The university has continued to invest in new construction and expand its facilities, ensuring that it can accommodate its growing student population.

The university's growth has not been without its challenges, however. As JMU has expanded, tensions have arisen with the local community, particularly over the rapid increase in size over the preceding two decades. Despite these challenges, JMU continues to be a highly regarded educational institution, ranked #148 in National Universities in 2025.

The student-faculty ratio is 17:1

James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It has a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, meaning there are 17 students for every faculty member. This ratio is an important indicator of the level of personalised learning and attention that students can expect to receive at the university.

With a total of 21,008 undergraduate students enrolled as of Fall 2023, and 1,046 full-time instructional faculty members, JMU is able to maintain a relatively low student-faculty ratio. This ratio is also reflected in the average class size at the university, which is 25 students. In fact, 89% of classes at JMU have fewer than 50 students, ensuring that students benefit from a more intimate and interactive learning environment.

The student-faculty ratio at JMU is also notable because it compares favourably to other universities. For example, the national average student-faculty ratio for Masters Colleges and Universities is 23:1, significantly higher than JMU's ratio. This highlights that JMU is able to provide a more personalised educational experience for its students compared to many other institutions.

Furthermore, JMU's student-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable even as the university has grown and expanded over the years. For instance, during the tenure of JMU's fourth president, Ronald E. Carrier (1971-1998), student enrollment tripled, yet the university still maintained a low student-faculty ratio.

Overall, the 17:1 student-faculty ratio at James Madison University demonstrates the university's commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience, characterised by personalised attention and interactive learning environments. This ratio contributes to the university's reputation as a comprehensive and well-regarded institution.

The university has 35 residence halls

James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university in Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1908 as a women's college and now has over 20,000 students enrolled, including over 21,000 undergraduates. The university has 35 residence halls, ten of which serve as sorority houses. While most residence halls are only for housing, several provide auxiliary services like computer labs and study lounges.

Freshmen are required to live on campus, and a large portion of JMU's on-campus housing is set aside for incoming students. Consequently, most upperclassmen and graduate students live off-campus. Continuing students who wish to live on campus must re-apply for housing each year. While occasional exceptions are granted, freshmen are generally not granted on-campus parking permits.

The university offers a total of 139 degree programs, with 76 at the undergraduate level. Some of the most popular undergraduate studies include mental and social health studies, communication and media, and nursing. Despite the large number of students, most class sizes contain fewer than 50 students, with an average class size of 25 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1.

JMU has a strong Greek system, encompassing more than 30 fraternities and sororities, with over 4,200 students involved in Greek life. The university also offers over 400 clubs and organizations for students, including the Scuba Diving Club, the Cinemuse Film Club, and the Student Government Association (SGA).

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