James Madison University: Student Population Insights

how many students does james madison university have

James Madison University, named after the fourth American president, is a public research university in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The university has grown significantly since its founding in 1908, and currently enrols more than 20,000 students. With a campus size of 721 acres, James Madison University offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for its large student body.

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James Madison University's undergraduate enrollment is over 20,000

James Madison University, a public research university in the Shenandoah Valley of Harrisonburg, Virginia, has an undergraduate enrollment of over 20,000 students. The university was founded in 1908 and named after the fourth American president, James Madison. The campus size is 721 acres, and it offers 76 undergraduate-level programs out of a total of 139 degree programs.

The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, and 89% of classes have fewer than 50 students. James Madison University provides over 400 scholarships annually to freshmen and incoming students, including merit-based, need-based, and transfer scholarships. The university also boasts over 400 clubs and organizations, with over 4,200 students involved in Greek life.

James Madison University has a rich history, dating back to 1909 when it opened its doors to its first student body of 209 students. In 1919, the university's first president, Julian Ashby Burruss, resigned to become the president of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. The university underwent several name changes, becoming the State Teachers College at Harrisonburg in 1924 and Madison College in 1938, before finally being named James Madison University in 1977.

Today, James Madison University is ranked among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity." It offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities to its large undergraduate student body, fostering a vibrant and engaging campus community.

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The university has a campus size of 721 acres

James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university located in the Shenandoah Valley of Harrisonburg, Virginia. The university was founded in 1908 and named after the fourth President of the United States, James Madison. The campus size of JMU spans 721 acres of land, providing a spacious and expansive environment for its students and faculty.

The university's long history and established reputation are reflected in its campus infrastructure. With a campus size of 721 acres, JMU offers a diverse range of academic, residential, and recreational facilities. The campus layout is designed to accommodate the needs of its large student body, ensuring easy access to various resources and amenities. The campus is home to numerous academic buildings, residence halls, administrative offices, and recreational spaces, all spread across its vast acreage.

JMU's campus size allows for a comprehensive range of facilities to support the academic pursuits of its students. The university offers 139 degree programs, including 76 undergraduate programs. With its expansive campus, JMU can provide specialized buildings and resources for each academic department, ensuring that students have access to the necessary equipment, laboratories, and classrooms tailored to their specific fields of study. The campus also accommodates a wide variety of student organizations and clubs, with over 400 groups catering to different interests and providing opportunities for extracurricular involvement.

In addition to academic facilities, the 721-acre campus of JMU includes a range of residential options for students. The university offers on-campus housing, with various residence halls and apartment complexes to suit different preferences and lifestyles. The expansive campus allows for a diverse range of housing options, from traditional dorms to apartment-style living, ensuring that students can find a comfortable and convenient place to call home during their time at JMU.

The campus size also contributes to the university's vibrant student life and community engagement. JMU is home to a thriving Greek life system, with over 4,200 students involved in fraternities and sororities. The campus accommodates the various social fraternity and sorority chapters, as well as the necessary infrastructure for their activities and events. The university also boasts the largest collegiate marching band in the nation, with 540 members as of Fall 2022, showcasing the dedication to musical excellence enabled by its ample space.

Moreover, the 721-acre campus of JMU provides ample opportunities for recreational activities and sports. The university offers a wide range of athletic facilities, including playing fields, courts, and gymnasiums, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle for its students. The campus also features outdoor spaces for relaxation and leisure, allowing students to enjoy the natural surroundings of the Shenandoah Valley while providing a peaceful retreat from their academic pursuits.

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89% of classes have fewer than 50 students

James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university in Harrisonburg, Virginia, founded in 1908. The university has a large student body, with a total undergraduate enrollment of over 20,000 students as of Fall 2023. Despite these large numbers, JMU keeps its class sizes small, with 89% of classes having fewer than 50 students. This means that students benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, allowing for more personalized attention and a better learning environment.

The small class sizes at JMU are made possible by the university's commitment to providing a large number of classes and programs. JMU offers a total of 139 degree programs, including 76 undergraduate programs and 53 master's programs. With such a wide range of options, students can find their niche and pursue their specific academic interests. The university also has a strong focus on research and study abroad opportunities, exposing students to a variety of educational experiences.

In addition to its academic offerings, JMU has a vibrant campus life with over 400 clubs and organizations. This includes a diverse range of interests, such as Greek life, with over 4,200 students involved, as well as sports, music, and community service. The university is also home to the largest collegiate marching band in the nation, with 540 members as of Fall 2022. Known as "Virginia's Finest", the Marching Royal Dukes have performed at presidential inaugurations.

JMU's commitment to small class sizes is notable, given that the university has experienced significant growth over the years. The university first opened its doors in 1909 with just 209 students and a faculty of fifteen. Now, with an enrollment of over 20,000 students, JMU has managed to maintain its small class sizes, ensuring that students continue to receive a high-quality education in a personalized learning environment.

The benefits of JMU's small class sizes are evident in the university's graduation rates. In 2023, 65% of students graduated within the typical four-year timeframe, with 82% completing their degrees within six years. These rates are impressive and may be attributed in part to the university's focus on keeping classes small and providing individual attention to students. Overall, JMU's commitment to small class sizes, as seen in the statistic that 89% of classes have fewer than 50 students, contributes to a positive and successful educational experience for its large student body.

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The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1

James Madison University (JMU) is a public research university in Harrisonburg, Virginia, with a student body of over 20,000. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1, meaning that for every 16 students, there is one faculty member. This works out to be a total of 1,375 faculty members for 21,008 students.

JMU was founded in 1908 and opened its doors to students in 1909. It has grown significantly since then, with most classes now containing fewer than 50 students. The university offers a total of 139 degree programs, with 76 at the undergraduate level and 53 at the master's level. There are also 8 doctoral programs and 2 education specialist programs.

JMU has a wide range of student organizations and clubs, with over 400 in total. The university also has a strong Greek life presence, with over 4,200 students involved and two dozen social fraternity and sorority chapters. The JMU Marching Royal Dukes is the largest collegiate marching band in the nation, with 540 members as of Fall 2022.

The university prioritizes student engagement and provides numerous opportunities for personal and academic growth. Students have access to research and study abroad opportunities from their first year, allowing them to work closely with faculty mentors. JMU also offers more than 400 scholarships annually to incoming students, recognizing merit and supporting those in need.

With its diverse academic programs, vibrant student life, and commitment to student success, JMU maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that students receive the attention and support they need throughout their academic journey.

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The university has over 400 clubs and organisations

James Madison University, a public research university in the Shenandoah Valley of Harrisonburg, Virginia, offers its students a wide range of extracurricular activities. With over 400 clubs and organisations, students have ample opportunity to pursue their interests and connect with others who share their passions.

The university's clubs and organisations cater to a diverse range of interests, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational pursuits. Among the most notable organisations on campus are the Black Student Alliance (BSA), the Latinx Student Alliance (LSA), and Madison Equality, which foster a sense of community and cultural celebration among students. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter is also active on campus, providing a platform for students to engage in social and racial justice initiatives.

For those interested in Greek life, James Madison University is home to over two dozen social fraternity and sorority chapters, with more than 4,200 students involved. The Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic organisations play a significant role in campus life, offering a range of social and philanthropic opportunities. The university also boasts the largest collegiate marching band in the nation, with 540 members as of Fall 2022. Nicknamed "Virginia's Finest", the Marching Royal Dukes have performed at the inaugurations of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

In addition to social and cultural clubs, James Madison University offers a variety of academic and professional organisations. Students can join groups related to their specific fields of study, such as the Student Government Association (SGA), or explore other areas of interest through clubs like the Speech Team and Forensics Program. The university also encourages student engagement in research and study abroad opportunities from their very first year.

With such a diverse array of clubs and organisations, students at James Madison University can easily find their niche and develop their interests beyond the classroom. The university's commitment to providing extracurricular opportunities enhances the overall student experience and fosters a sense of community on campus.

Frequently asked questions

As of Fall 2023, James Madison University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 21,008 students.

In 2023, 1,260 more women than men graduated from James Madison University. The university awarded a total of 4,151 degrees to the most common race/ethnicity group, which was white.

Despite enrolling more than 20,000 students, most class sizes at James Madison University contain fewer than 50 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1.

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