July 2026 Update: View our hub of resources and information for incoming first-year and transfer students.
Congratulations on your admission to Michigan State University and James Madison College! You're joining a community of students and faculty committed to understanding and shaping public affairs. Here's what to do next.
New Student Orientation will welcome and prepare students starting at MSU. NSO occurs in stages and begins as students gain access to content in MSU's D2L platform. Learn more about NSO at JMC.
JMC students don't need to select a major right away. You'll spend your first semesters taking foundational courses that introduce you to JMC's interdisciplinary approach to public affairs, and you'll choose your major midway through your first year. In the meantime, you can explore what each major covers on the majors and minors page.
JMC offers several scholarships for incoming students, ranging from $1,500 to $7,000 and many renewable for up to four years. The application window for Fall 2026 scholarships has closed, but applying Early Action by Nov. 1 each year ensures maximum consideration for university-wide scholarship opportunities. Once enrolled, JMC students can also apply for continuing student scholarships throughout their time at the college.
Seeing JMC in person is one of the best ways to know if it's the right fit. Our Spring 2026 admitted student events have now ended, but individual visits may be available based on staff availability. Contact the JMC Recruitment Office at jmcadmin@msu.edu to inquire.
The Early Start Program gives incoming first-generation JMC students the opportunity to begin coursework, build community, and get acclimated to college life before the fall semester begins. It's a great way for new Madisonians to get a head start on their JMC experience.
JMC is a residential college, and Case Hall is the center of the living-learning community. You'll live, study, and attend classes in the same building alongside other JMC students. Curious about what the residential spaces look like? Take a 360° virtual tour of a Case Hall room or learn more about MSU housing and move-in.
Find information about resources available to JMC students on our website.
Want to know what life at JMC is really like? Watch the JMC Student Stories series on YouTube, where current Madisonians share their experiences with academics, internships, study abroad, and campus life.
Follow JMC on Instagram to see what's happening at the college. Have questions? Reach the JMC Recruitment Office at jmcadmin@msu.edu or (517) 353-5260.