James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · founded 1908 · 22,000 students · public research university · Sun Belt Conference

Known for: JMU is renowned for its outstanding undergraduate teaching, beautiful campus in the Shenandoah Valley, and highly spirited student body, with particularly strong programs in business, health sciences, and education.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #216
Times Higher Education: #601
Forbes: #258

Top programmes

Business
Health Sciences
Education
Psychology
Integrated Science & Technology
Communications

Notable alumni

Nate Burleson — Former NFL wide receiver and current CBS sports analyst
Gary Clark — NFL wide receiver
Charles Haley — NFL Hall of Fame linebacker
Dawn Staley — Basketball Hall of Famer and head coach of South Carolina women's basketball
Billy Sample — Former MLB outfielder and broadcaster
Randy Brown — Former NBA player and coach
Ashley Bell — Actress known for 'The Last Exorcism'

Traditions

Madison Day (community service day)
Homecoming parade and football game
Duke Dog's birthday celebration
Festival of the Arts
Purple Out (athletic event theme)

If James Madison University were…

As a food: Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich — Universally beloved, consistently satisfying, never trying to be something it's not. JMU is friendly, approachable, delivers exactly what you want—a good time, solid education, and no pretense. Everyone leaves happy, and
As an athlete: Von Miller — JMU's most famous alum, a Super Bowl MVP who came from a school nobody expected to produce an NFL superstar. Charismatic, fun-loving, dominant when it counts. JMU punches above its weight in school spirit and student hap
As a person alive today: Chris Stapleton — Down-to-earth, wildly popular, rooted in a specific place (Appalachia/Shenandoah Valley) but with broad appeal. Not flashy or coastal-elite, just genuinely great at what he does and beloved for it. JMU has that same auth
As a historical figure: Dolley Madison — The university's literal namesake, but also the perfect match: warm, social, known for throwing the best parties in early America, and beloved by everyone who met her. JMU students are the Dolley Madisons of higher ed—fr
As a movie or TV show: Friday Night Lights (TV) — Tight-knit community, serious school spirit, everyone knows everyone, and sports culture runs deep. Small-town (Harrisonburg) setting where the university is the heartbeat of the area. Wholesome but real, with genuine ca
As a US president: George H.W. Bush — Affable, well-liked, preppy without being snooty, strong on tradition and service. Not the flashiest or most intellectual, but genuinely decent and gets things done. JMU has that same patrician-but-approachable, 'everyon
As a city: Austin, Texas — College town with big school spirit, great food, live music, and a 'keep it weird' (but not too weird) vibe. Outdoorsy, fun-loving, politically purple, and everyone you meet is friendly. JMU in Harrisonburg has that same
As an element: Sodium — Highly reactive in the best way—forms bonds easily, essential to life, creates energy when it connects with others. Sodium lights up (literally) and makes things happen. JMU students are the sodium of higher ed: social,
As a car: Honda CR-V EX — Virginia's friendly mid-tier public with spirited tailgates and solid pre-professional programs—comfortable, popular, reliable enough to impress suburban parents, sporty enough for weekend adventures in the Shenandoah Va

Campus life

JMU is known for its exceptionally friendly, engaged, and spirited campus culture. Social life is vibrant, with a large Greek scene, massive club and intramural sports participation, and strong attendance at Division I football games. Harrisonburg provides a classic college town atmosphere.