
800 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA


James Madison University supports a vibrant and competitive athletics program that competes at the NCAA Division I level. The school's sports teams, collectively known as the Dukes, participate in the Sun Belt Conference for most sports, showcasing a broad range of men's and women's athletic opportunities. Students interested in athletics can engage in traditional sports such as football, basketball, soccer, and baseball, as well as other competitive sports including volleyball, tennis, and track and field.
Facilities at the university are designed to support both athlete development and fan engagement, with venues tailored to each sport's needs. These facilities contribute to an environment where student-athletes can balance rigorous academic schedules with high-level athletic competition.
James Madison University emphasizes inclusivity and growth in its athletics department, offering various programs that foster teamwork, leadership, and personal development. For prospective students who wish to pursue athletics alongside their education, the university presents a well-rounded environment that promotes both academic and athletic excellence.
James Madison University enrolls a student body consisting of 8,586 men and 11,153 women. Although detailed data on specific student groups and associations was not provided, the university is known for a diverse campus life with numerous opportunities for student involvement across various interests.
James Madison University enrolls a substantially large student body, including 4,922 freshmen-a number considered very high and placing the university in the top 5% nationally for this metric. Transfer students number 733, which is average and ranks in the top 35%. Overall, the total student intake sums to 5,655, also categorized as very high and within the top 5% nationwide.
The university's student population spans a wide range of age groups. Among undergraduates, the majority fall between 18 and 21 years old, with 8,737 aged 18-19 and 8,994 aged 20-21. Additional undergraduate students are distributed across older age brackets, including 2,209 aged 22-24 and smaller numbers in older categories. Graduate students tend to be older on average, with 599 aged 22-24, 371 aged 25-29, and decreasing numbers in higher age ranges, reflecting a diverse age profile.
Regarding ethnic diversity, the largest group at James Madison University is White students, totaling 15,092 and ranking very high nationally within the top 5%. Students identifying with two or more races also represent a significant portion, with 1,197 individuals, which is very high and places the university again in the top 5%. Other ethnic groups include Hispanic students (1,833), African American students (984), and Asian students (1,096), all numbers that rank at average levels when compared nationally. Smaller populations include Native American (38) and Pacific Islander students (23). An additional 488 students are categorized as unknown ethnicity, a figure considered high and within the top 25% nationwide.
James Madison University offers a vibrant student life supported by a range of campus activities and resources. The university hosts a campus newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, a band, a chorus, and a campus television outlet, providing numerous opportunities for student involvement outside the classroom.
Students also have access to several support services designed to enhance their well-being, including a health clinic, psychological counseling, and a veterans affairs office. However, legal services and a dedicated women's center are not available on campus.
The university's campus spans an extensive 785 acres, offering ample space for both academic and extracurricular activities. This size contributes to a dynamic environment where students can engage in diverse experiences across a broad campus setting.
James Madison University offers students access to a robust library system centered around the Rose Library. The university maintains a total of five libraries, placing it among the top 10% nationally for the number of library facilities available. Additionally, there are four other libraries on campus that complement the main facility, further supporting student research and study needs.
The university's library holdings include over 500,000 physical books, which ranks around the national average in collection size. Digital resources are notably strong, featuring more than 1.6 million eBooks, which is considered a high level of digital content and ranks within the top 15% nationally. The number of digital subscriptions also leans toward average with approximately 174,000 available, while overall subscription numbers are somewhat lower.
Library resources extend beyond collections to include comprehensive services: students benefit from study rooms, all-day access, and well-established hours. The libraries are staffed by trained personnel prepared to assist with research and inquiry, and users can access both physical and digital materials. In addition, access to shared collections expands the range of resources available, supporting diverse academic requirements.
With about 118 weekly service hours, the libraries provide ample availability for students throughout the week. The combination of substantial physical and digital resources, staffed facilities, and extended service hours creates an environment conducive to academic success and research excellence at James Madison University.
Total enrollment
22879Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
4984Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
1085 full time, 380 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Rose LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
5Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
YesPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes