About Eastern Mennonite University
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $23,615 after aid, well below the sticker price of $55,580. Graduates earn a median of $54,869 ten years out, with typical monthly loan payments of $263. About 77% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. The school gives institutional grants averaging $30,460 to about 25% of students. For families making under $48,000, the net price drops to around $15,000.
Only 47% of students graduate within six years, which is low compared to similar schools. The 76% retention rate suggests some students transfer or take breaks. However, 98% of graduates find employment, and the Mennonite emphasis on service often leads to meaningful careers in education, healthcare, and social work.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 95.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 55.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.1%
- Retention Rate
- 76.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,869
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,211 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $39,009 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. | Master | $33,993 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
Weekend life revolves around service projects, outdoor adventures in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, and campus activities that reflect the school's Mennonite values of peace and social justice. Students often volunteer at local nonprofits or participate in alternative spring break trips. The NCAA Division III Royals compete in 17 sports with 253 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't offered. Campus traditions include weekly chapel services (attendance varies by student choice) and community meals that bring together students from the school's diverse background, with 56% white students alongside significant Black (13%) and Hispanic (12%) populations. The small-town setting means students create their own entertainment, often centered around building genuine relationships and meaningful community service.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 672 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1917
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–42°F
- July Avg
- 63°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 19.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.3%
- Women
- 58.8%
- White
- 56.3%
- Black
- 13.3%
- Hispanic
- 11.8%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 63.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.9%
Location
- Address
- Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802-2462
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,869
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,110
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 77.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $263/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,813
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Eastern Mennonite University?
Eastern Mennonite University accepts 99.48% of applicants, making admission virtually guaranteed for interested students. This open admissions approach reflects the school's Mennonite values of inclusion and its commitment to providing education to students from diverse backgrounds.
How much does Eastern Mennonite University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,615 annually after aid, less than the full tuition of $41,860. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $16,418 on average, while those earning $30,000-$48,000 pay even less at $14,081.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Eastern Mennonite University?
Eastern Mennonite maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with only 800 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships that support the university's emphasis on service learning and peacebuilding education.
How much do Eastern Mennonite University graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $54,869 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of $263. The university's focus on service-oriented careers and nonprofit work often leads to meaningful but modestly-paying positions in education, social work, and ministry.
Where do Eastern Mennonite University students live?
The campus houses 672 students in residence halls, serving most of the 800-student body. Located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, students enjoy a small city setting in the Shenandoah Valley with access to outdoor recreation and a close-knit campus community.
What makes Eastern Mennonite University unique among colleges?
Eastern Mennonite integrates Mennonite peace and justice values throughout its curriculum, with specialized programs in conflict transformation and restorative justice. The university's 47.10% six-year graduation rate reflects its mission of serving first-generation college students and those from underrepresented communities.
