James Madison University

I came to James Madison University to study Accounting and get a business degree. After two years - I felt like some of the hype around JMU was oversold.

The accounting program was average at best and not competitive with some of the other universities in the state of Virginia. Your freshmen year is spent with a lot of useless general Ed classes. While I appreciate liberal arts classes like Philosophy, History, or archaelogy as a way to balance out a business or technical degree - JMU's approach provides little value and much frustration. In addition, the location of JMU prevents it from providing decent co-op or internship opportunities.

The campus is nice and remote. The bluestone section is pretty and it is what you see on all the brochures. However, the rest of the campus' architecture is pretty non-descript and bland looking. I was stuck in an old campus dorm that needed some decent maintenance.

It is true about the girls - plentiful and pretty. However, the social life centers around just drinking and partying. the clubs and activities are ok on campus - but some of the students can be snooty and off putting. The surrounding town doesn't like the students and has an iffy relationship with the university - so there is not much to do off campus.

Sports - well the football team is good. The rest of the programs are middling in their conference (the CAA).Given the cost, remote location, and average quality of the accounting and general business program - I decided this was not the place for me. I transferred after my sophmore year.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2000

Campus Aesthetics: A-, Surrounding City: C-

While JMU has a solid reputation, my undergrad experience revealed an academic standard that is falling behind other universities in the commonwealth. Friends I have going to other universities like W&M, GMU, and Tech tell me about complex projects, collaboration with local companies and students at other universities as part of their undergrad experience. None of that was available in the normal coursework at JMU.

I think some of their programs are resting on ratings and achievements of the past. The campus is pretty, but in need of maintenance, additional dorms and facilities and is showing its age.

A lot of the students have a snooty attitude about JMU as if it were UVA or Harvard.While JMU is a solid undergrad institution - its not outstanding and is not worth the price or remote location.

4th Year Male -- Class 2004

Perceived Campus Safety: A+, Campus Aesthetics: F

JMU is a solid institution with a nice campus - although stuck in the middle of Harrisonburg. While the academics are good - I think JMU's lack of graduate programs, research programs, and notable faculty risk it being passed up by other universities within Virginia.

There are a lot of parties, but the surrounding city and school admin are clamping down regarding alcohol policies and the like. About 4300 students live on campus - most commute from the surrounding community. The football games are fun to watch - but otherwise - the athletics are somewhat lacking.

Some of the buildings are showing their age and I think JMU needs to put together better maintenance and campus plan to keep up with the other universities in Virginia. Given its cost and out of the way location - I would have made a different choice for my undergraduate school

4th Year Female -- Class 1995

Perceived Campus Safety: A+, Surrounding City: C