<p>We are now making the final decision between UMass Amherst and James Madison University (JMU). JMU is a little more $ since we are MA residents, but still reasonable at $27K. Major would be business. Have heard the JMU campus is very nice.</p>
<p>Any opinions?</p>
<p>JMU is a very good school. The only drawback I ever noticed to the school is that a major interstate highway (Rt. 81) runs through part of the campus (there is a walking tunnel underneath the highway), and the noise was always present. I’d imagine that it becomes like white noise and you just don’t notice it after awhile. Otherwise the school is great, as is UMass. I’d say UMass has a bit more of a college town around it… I don’t know anything about the business programs at either school though.</p>
<p>We’ve tried to point out the advantages of UMass to our senior, who still can’t get past the appearance of the UMass Campus. Absolutley hates it. Any advice?</p>
<p>Tell your kid they will have to pay the difference. :)</p>
<p>If you’ve never visited JMU, how do they know they won’t hate that campus as well?</p>
<p>It’s a long way to JMU, if your kid never wants to come home that probably isn’t an issue. That may an advantage or disadvantage… Although when you take/pick up your kid it’s a killer drive.</p>
<p>I don’t know how you convince him if he’s been to Amherst. He knows about the 5 college consortium? I happen to like the campus and the setting. Is it that he wants to go away? </p>
<p>I can’t evaluate how much the price difference matters to you. </p>
<p>In terms of quality, etc., the differences either way are of perspective and aren’t objective, meaning you could flip a coin.</p>
<p>abdad, time is probably of the essence and a trip is out of the question? Then take your son to a large interstate highway, pull off the side of the road, and roll your windows down. Sit in “silence” for 5 minutes. As you leave, tell your son, that’s pretty much what it sounds like all the time at JMU. Sorry, I can’t be of better help. My son visited UMass last week and loved the huge dorm rooms and thought the campus probably looks alot prettier when spring finally takes over.</p>