James Madison University (JMU)

With over 70 majors and 130 programs at James Madison University to choose from, students note that there are “many different paths you could take with your education.” But what stands out to them is how the school provides “so many resources to help you with the switch from high school to college” (free tutoring, study sessions, a Student Success center), and how the university’s core curriculum gives them “an innovative way to see other majors, such as [using] the planetarium and getting to look through the telescopes for scientific projects.” Classes are peppered with hands-on learning opportunities like “undergraduate research, symposiums, poster presentations, [and] conferences.” For instance, one management class features the Dukes Impact Challenge, where students “have to design and sell merchandise within six weeks, and all the money goes to a local non-profit.” Professors are “very accessible,” at least during office hours, and “always feel helpful and like they genuinely want to see you do your best.” This approachability makes teachers feel “personable, and you can create strong relationships with them.” One student adds, “They are extremely flexible (depending on situations) and understand life gets in the way sometimes.” Many professors bring “their life experiences and implement them into the class to make the learning experience more enriching.” This desire to engage students is one reason why, “for many people, JMU is the perfect college.”

A strong, shared identity is at the heart of the JMU experience. “Everyone’s such a proud student/staff/alumni of JMU. It’s so refreshing seeing such pride in the community.” That’s impressive with over 20,000 undergraduates, and some note that “while it is a larger school, it feels very well contained” and integrates seamlessly with the community, as students “are very connected to the people that live in Harrisonburg and to the natural surroundings.” Dukes, the name for JMU students, are a social bunch, and students say that it is “very easy to get into a conversation with any person.” And one student attests, “I have had lunch bought for me when my campus card didn’t swipe.” Balance is a key tenet of JMU life, and “mental health is extremely important to the staff and students.” This is good for those who have “different aspirations and passions that they pursue in their own unique ways here,” and everyone is “supportive of decisions but not afraid to speak up for what they believe.” This group “[radiates] positivity and friendliness” and “shows compassion, reliability, and love for each other no matter the circumstances.”

JMU gives students “so many ways to get involved and try new things,” and in return, the “very passionate” students “don’t just go to class then go home; they join clubs, show up to events, and make campus feel alive.” That’s perhaps because “with more than 400 clubs and organizations, it’s easy to find your people.” Greek life is popular, the recreation center (UREC) is a common destination, and you’ll often see students “engage in Spikeball and lacrosse on the quad.” This Division I school also has a strong athletic program, and “football games are extremely popular and definitely fun and worth going [to].” The “dining hall system is an incredible asset,” and JMU has “great food for a university.” Mainly, students simply enjoy being around each other, even if it’s just to “watch a lot of shows and movies, or all lie on the ground and doomscroll together.” Between the people and clubs, JMU “really [has] something for everyone and [wants] people to be involved.” Consequently, as one student says, “Everyone has so much school spirit for JMU, it makes you feel like you belong no matter what you are involved in.”