Direct Transfer:
Your pathway to James Madison University
SCHOOL TYPE: Public LOCATION: Harrisonburg, Virginia SIZE: Large PARTNER TYPE: Direct Transfer

We are thrilled to extend an admission offer to Verto participants who meet our outlined eligibility requirements. This unique opportunity provides a global, transformative learning experience designed to help you begin your college journey on a high note. The curriculum encourages both personal growth and academic achievement, setting the stage for success at The American University of Rome campus.

3.0 GPA 24 credits 2+ semesters
*All eligibility requirements listed below
Apply to Verto
to begin your pathway to James Madison University
How does the Direct
Transfer Pathway
work?

Apply to Verto to begin your pathway to James Madison University.

Review James Madison University's full eligibility requirements for guaranteed admission and set academic goals for your experience abroad.

Embark on your Verto abroad experience and work with staff on-site to submit your free Verto Partner Application to James Madison University.

Arrive on campus at James Madison University with a deeper global perspective and skill set that will serve you as a student and well into your future.

*Admission only guaranteed if the respective school has capacity and/or program/major availability.
Some schools or majors may have additional eligibility or application requirements. Students must maintain good conduct and meet the college's admissions requirements.

Did You Know?
Courses on a semester with Verto have already been reviewed by James Madison University.
After Verto, Your Next Stop is James Madison University

Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public university located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are here because they want to pursue knowledge and make teaching their No. 1 priority.

"We are excited to partner with Verto to offer Direct Transfer which aligns with our vision to provide multiple pathways for qualified applicants to become a part of the JMU family."
-Roger Burke, Interim Director of Admissions
James Madison University Students Are:
engaged
supportive
friendly
21,006
undergraduate students
17:1
ratio
#27
Best Public College in U.S. - The Wall Street Journal, 2025
#10
Best College Campuses in America – Niche, 2025

James Madison University has been recognized among the Top 125 Best Colleges for Leaders by TIME in 2025, and ranked #26 for Best Undergraduate Teaching by U.S. News & World Report the same year.

ACADEMICS

With more than 130 programs of study, there is plenty to explore. From day one to graduation, we are here to help you work harder than you have imagined, learn new things about the world and, perhaps most importantly, learn new things about yourself. Majors include:

  • Biology (pre-med)
  • Business
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Health Sciences
TRANSFER STUDENT SUPPORT

Incoming transfer students will attend a transfer-specific summer orientation to meet other transfer students. They will also have a major academic advisor assigned at the outset who will support them throughout their JMU career. Our Transfer Initiatives office offers many programs throughout the year for transfers to connect with each other and receive additional support. We even have a student organization for transfer students!

FINANCES

If you’re considering transferring, one of the most important actions you can take includes understanding how you will afford your new college. JMU’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships can help you explore your financial aid options and answer any questions you may have about financing your education. Completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid is often the first and most essential part of the process when it comes to consideration for financial assistance. All scholarship and grant opportunities for incoming transfer students can be found in the Madison Scholarships Hub in MyMadison once you have applied to JMU through Verto.

STUDENT LIFE

There’s so much to explore at JMU. The Madison Experience extends beyond the classroom. You will have many chances to have fun, be part of a team and make an impact. You’ll also make friends for life. We offer more than 400 student clubs and organizations.student clubs and organizations.

Transfer students are not guaranteed on-campus housing; however, limited space is available each year to accommodate some students who wish to have that experience. Many transfer students live off campus and are supported through an office called Off Campus Life.

Over one hundred study abroad opportunities are offered every year through the Center for Global Engagement.

To earn guaranteed admission to James Madison University through the Direct Transfer Pathway, during your time with Verto you will need:

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • No grade below a C
  • 24+ earned transferable credits over the course of two semesters with Verto
  • Coursework completed in all four core areas during the first semester (English, math, lab science, and social science)

The Direct Transfer pathway is designed for students that complete a full year abroad with Verto and meet the GPA and credit load requirements. If you are only spending one semester abroad with Verto, you won’t be eligible for the guarantee but we encourage you to work with your Verto Care Team to prepare and submit a Verto Partner Application for holistic review.

Please note that the Direct Transfer pathway guarantees your admission to the university, not specific programs. Each major has its own requirements and next steps for entry. More information can be found here.

Yes! The Direct Transfer pathway to JMU is designed for students that complete a full year abroad with Verto. If you are completing fall-spring with Verto, you can apply to start at JMU in the following fall. If you are completing spring-fall with Verto, you can apply to start at JMU in the following spring.

The Direct Transfer pathway is designed for students that complete a full year abroad with Verto and meet the GPA, credit load, and core area coursework requirements. While you won’t be eligible for the guarantee, we still encourage you to work with your Verto Care Team to prepare and submit a Verto Partner Application for holistic review.

While you won’t be eligible for the guarantee, we still encourage you to work with your Verto Care Team to prepare and submit a Verto Partner Application for holistic review.

Credits earned outside of your Verto experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Yes! You will need to submit your homeschool transcript or GED certificate with your application materials.

International students are encouraged to apply directly to JMU for holistic review. Please contact international@jmu.edu if you are interested in learning more.

If you have questions around the application process, work with your Verto Care Team. If you have JMU-specific questions, you can contact the JMU transfer team at transferadmissions@jmu.edu.

Once you arrive at your Verto location, you can begin working with Verto staff to prepare your application to James Madison University. Applications are typically sent following mid-terms, so your mid-term report can demonstrate your progress towards Direct Transfer eligibility.

  • Final HS Transcript
  • Official college transcript(s)
  • Mid-term Report
  • College Essay
  • Letter of Recommendation

Within 2-3 weeks of receiving your application packet from Verto, JMU will reach out to you at the email indicated in your application notifying of next steps.

Students will have to reapply for their new desired entry term with updated information and transcripts.

We are excited to partner with Verto to offer Direct Transfer which aligns with our vision to provide multiple pathways for qualified applicants to become a part of the JMU family.
Roger Burke
Interim Director of Admissions
Learn More James Madison Univerersity
Ready to Start
Your Pathway to James Madison University?