
James Madison University (JMU) is a public institution founded in 1908. The university has a large student body, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 21,008 students as of Fall 2023. The campus covers 721 acres and offers over 400 clubs and organizations for students to participate in. JMU's first student body in 1909 had 209 students, which has grown significantly over the years. The university has a high retention rate of 92% for first-year students and an 82% six-year graduation rate.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- James Madison University's total undergraduate enrollment is 21,008 as of Fall 2023
- The gender distribution is 43.3% male and 56.6% female
- % of students live in university housing, while 68% live off-campus
- The university has over 400 clubs and organisations
- The first year of James Madison University was in 1909, with 209 students

James Madison University's total undergraduate enrollment is 21,008 as of Fall 2023
James Madison University, founded in 1908, is a public institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 21,008 as of Fall 2023. The university's campus size spans 721 acres, and it offers a semester-based academic calendar.
The university's current interim president is Charlie King, who will serve until June 30, 2025, or until a new president is selected. James Madison University has a rich history, with its name being derived from James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, whose Montpelier estate is located in nearby Orange, Virginia. The university first opened its doors in 1909 with an initial enrollment of 209 students and a faculty of fifteen. Over time, the university underwent several name changes, becoming the State Teachers College at Harrisonburg in 1924 and then Madison College in 1938. Finally, in 1977, it was renamed James Madison University.
The university offers a vibrant student life, with over 400 clubs and organizations catering to a range of interests. The student body is predominantly female, with a gender distribution of 43.3% male and 56.6% female students. Additionally, 32% of the students reside in college-owned or affiliated housing, while 68% live off-campus.
James Madison University's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #148. It provides a variety of programs with competitive tuition fees, including in-state tuition and fees of $13,918 and out-of-state tuition and fees of $31,264.
Does Columbia Offer Financial Aid to International Students?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The gender distribution is 43.3% male and 56.6% female
James Madison University (JMU) has a large student body, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 21,008 students as of Fall 2023. This number reflects a significant growth since the university first opened its doors in 1909 with only 209 students.
When examining the gender distribution within this substantial student population, we find that JMU has a higher percentage of female students compared to male students. Specifically, the gender distribution is 43.3% male and 56.6% female. This translates to approximately 9,118 male students and 11,890 female students. Such a gender distribution is noteworthy and may influence the dynamics and characteristics of the campus community.
Several factors could contribute to this gender distribution, including the university's history, the demographics of its applicant pool, and the specific programs or majors offered. For example, the university has a strong education background, previously known as the State Teachers College at Harrisonburg, which may attract more female applicants. Additionally, JMU's location, campus culture, and extracurricular offerings may also play a role in shaping the gender distribution.
The gender distribution at JMU is just one aspect of the university's diverse and vibrant student community. With over 400 clubs and organizations on campus, students have numerous opportunities to connect, engage, and pursue their interests. The university's size and gender distribution also contribute to a dynamic and varied social environment, enhancing the overall student experience.
Understanding the gender distribution within a university's student body can provide insights into the institution's culture, appeal to prospective students, and inform decisions regarding campus programming, resources, and support services. It is essential to recognize that each student, regardless of gender, brings a unique perspective and contributes to the rich tapestry of campus life at JMU.
Unpaid Student Work: Ethical or Exploitative?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

32% of students live in university housing, while 68% live off-campus
James Madison University (JMU) is a public institution founded in 1908. As of Fall 2023, the university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 21,008 students. The campus size is 721 acres, and the university offers over 400 clubs and organisations for students.
In terms of student accommodation, 32% of JMU students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing. This includes on-campus residence halls and apartments, as well as off-campus housing that is owned or managed by the university. On the other hand, 68% of JMU students choose to live off-campus in privately rented apartments, houses, or other types of housing. This may include purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) or private rentals in the surrounding area.
The on-campus housing options at JMU vary and include traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. The residence halls typically offer a more traditional dorm-style living experience, with shared rooms and communal bathrooms. They often have a strong sense of community and provide easy access to campus facilities. Suites and apartments may offer more privacy and independence, with options for single or shared bedrooms and varying levels of shared amenities.
Off-campus housing provides JMU students with more independence and a wider range of options to choose from. Many students opt to live in the surrounding neighbourhoods, which offer a variety of housing types, such as apartments, townhouses, or single-family homes. Living off-campus also allows students to engage with the local community and access a broader range of amenities. Additionally, off-campus housing may provide more flexibility in terms of lease options, privacy, and personal space.
The decision to live on or off-campus depends on various factors, including personal preferences, budget, and the desire for independence. Some students may prefer the convenience and community feel of on-campus housing, especially during their first year, to ease their transition into university life. Others may seek the increased independence and sense of adulthood that comes with living off-campus. Ultimately, the choice between on-campus and off-campus housing allows students to customise their university experience according to their individual needs and interests.
Addiction Support: What Help Do Universities Offer Students?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The university has over 400 clubs and organisations
James Madison University, with an undergraduate enrollment of over 21,000 students, offers a wide range of extracurricular activities with over 400 clubs and organisations. This extensive list ensures that every student can find their niche and pursue their interests.
The university encourages community service, with many students choosing to spend their spring break volunteering for organisations, both locally and globally. These trips provide invaluable experiences, such as assisting with climate change research in California, serving the homeless in Missouri, or contributing to mental health initiatives in Jamaica.
A vibrant Greek community thrives at the university, with over 4,400 students involved in fraternities and sororities. These organisations offer life-changing relationships and extensive networking opportunities with alumni.
Beyond the Greek community, the university hosts a diverse range of clubs catering to various interests. With almost every student guaranteed to find an organisation that aligns with their passions, students can deepen their engagement with extracurricular pursuits.
The clubs and organisations at James Madison University reflect the university's commitment to providing a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom. Students can explore their passions, develop new skills, and build meaningful connections through these extracurricular offerings.
Berlin's University Students: Dressed to Express
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The first year of James Madison University was in 1909, with 209 students
James Madison University, founded in 1908, opened its doors to its first students in 1909. The first year saw an enrollment of 209 students, with a faculty of fifteen members. The university has grown significantly since its early years, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 21,008 students in the fall of 2023.
The university's first president was Julian Ashby Burruss, who served until 1919. During its early years, the university operated under different names, becoming the State Teachers College at Harrisonburg in 1924. In 1938, the name changed to Madison College to honour James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, whose estate was nearby.
The university's current name, James Madison University, was adopted in 1977. Over the years, the campus has expanded to 721 acres, offering a wide range of academic programmes and extracurricular activities. The university has a diverse student body, with a gender distribution of 43.3% male and 56.6% female students in 2023.
With a rich history spanning over a century, James Madison University has evolved from its early days with just over 200 students to a thriving institution with a large student population, contributing to its ranking as one of America's best colleges. The university's growth and development reflect its commitment to providing quality education and a well-rounded collegiate experience for its students.
University Student Employees: Understanding Leave of Absence Rights
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, there are 21,008 undergraduate students enrolled at James Madison University.
When the university first opened its doors in 1909, there were 209 students enrolled.
43.3% of the student population is male, while 56.6% is female.
32% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 68% live off campus.
In 2010, the university administration estimated that 8,000 college-aged people were present at an off-campus block party.









































