First-Year Scholarships & Financial Aid

Scholarships for Incoming First-Year Students

Annually, JMU provides more than 400 scholarships to incoming students that vary in amount and number of years awarded-ranging from one to four years. The primary criterion for merit-based scholarships is exceptional academic performance. Other selection criteria may include leadership, involvement, and career goals.

The Madison Scholarships Hub is the application center for all JMU Foundation scholarships at James Madison University. To access the Madison Scholarships Hub, log in to MyMadison. Under the Applicant tab, click on the Madison Scholarships Hub logo.

All students are encouraged to fill out the General Application in the Madison Scholarships Hub to be considered for various scholarship opportunities. Qualifications for the majority of our scholarships are based on the General Application information as well as information pulled directly from your admissions application.

Review the criteria carefully for any recommended scholarship opportunities you are presented with and if you meet the qualifications, click apply to submit additional required information. Deadlines vary across departments so be sure to complete the General Application as soon as possible to receive full consideration. Some scholarship opportunities become available starting in the fall while others open later so be sure to check back in January, February and March.

Honors College Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship

The Honors College Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship is awarded based on demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, leadership, and community service.

Madison Award for Academic Excellence

JMU academic colleges and departments offer awards equivalent to 75% of in-state tuition and comprehensive fees, based on the year entering JMU, to students of great accomplishment and potential. No additional application is necessary.

Centennial Scholars Program

The Centennial Scholars Program (CSP) at James Madison University provides financial support to talented Pell grant-eligible students from the Commonwealth of Virginia with an emphasis on first-generation students or students with limited prior exposure to or knowledge of the college process. This highly competitive award is open to incoming first-year and transfer students as well as current JMU students.

College of Business Gold Scholars Endowment

The JMU College of Business Gold Scholars Endowment was established by Dean Michael Busing in celebration of the college's 50th anniversary in 2022. Annual allocations from the endowment will provide scholarships for incoming first-year students with declared majors in the College of Business.

Second Century Scholarships and the Jones Scholarship

First-year students enrolling in one of the designated STEM programs may qualify to receive a Second Century Scholarship or the Jones Scholarship. The Second Century Scholarship is valued at 100% of in-state tuition and comprehensive fees based on the year the student enters the university and continues at the same amount for a maximum of four consecutive years. The Jones Scholarship award varies year to year.

Teaching Fellows Program

The Teaching Fellows program is an invitation-only program designed for a select group of admitted JMU students (Campus Teaching Fellows) or those working in schools (Paraprofessional Teaching Fellows) who are interested in becoming early childhood, elementary education, or special education teachers.

Scholarships for select interest areas

Some academic areas and departments offer scholarships to entering first-year students. Application requirements may differ from area to area.

Private Scholarships

You may want to explore opportunities from outside of JMU to assist with your educational expenses here. Private scholarships can originate from any non-JMU source.

Financial Aid

Your college education is one of the most significant investments you will ever make. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will help simplify and guide you through the financial aid process as you seek avenues to fund the cost of your college education.

To determine your eligibility for assistance, please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA forms received by the Department of Education before our priority filing date of March 1 will receive first consideration. Our federal school code is 003721. JMU does not base admission decisions on financial aid.

Student Employment

Students are eligible to apply for Student positions and Wage/Part-Time positions that are advertised on JMU Joblink. JMU’s Office of Student Employment maintains listings of off-campus positions that may be of interest. Of course, students may search for jobs using other databases and local publications as well.