Emory & Henry University: 96.9% Acceptance Rate

96.9%Acceptance

$35,280Tuition

1,107Students

54%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,385Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Emory & Henry University

Emory & Henry University builds its reputation on intimate classroom experiences and strong preparation for health careers and teaching. The college enrolls just 1,107 students in rural Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Faculty work closely with students in small classes, creating a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio that defines the academic experience. The Methodist heritage shapes campus culture while programs in nursing, education, and pre-health fields draw students seeking hands-on learning.

Students pay an average net price of $20,591 after financial aid, well below the $50,840 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $47,385 ten years after graduation while carrying $26,332 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $279 represents a manageable burden given earning potential. About 41% of students receive Pell Grants, and institutional grants average $31,643 for recipients.

Athletics dominate campus life with 642 student-athletes competing across 22 Division II sports. Nearly 58% of the student body participates in varsity athletics, creating an unusually sports-focused environment. The 69% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the rural setting or academic demands. However, 97% of graduates find employment, indicating strong career preparation despite the modest graduation rate of 54%.

Academics & Faculty

Emory & Henry operates as a Methodist liberal arts college where small classes define the academic experience. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an environment where professors know students by name and can provide individualized attention. The college has built a strong reputation in health sciences, particularly its nursing and pre-med programs that benefit from close mentoring relationships. Teacher education represents another academic cornerstone, preparing educators for Appalachian communities. However, the 55.87% four-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees on time. The liberal arts foundation means students explore diverse subjects before specializing, though this broad approach doesn't suit every learning style or career goal.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 96.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 55.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 53.8%
Retention Rate: 69.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,385
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$40,140
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$36,668
Sociology.	Bachelor	$29,685
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$28,055
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$25,967

View all 49 programs →

Campus Life

This small Methodist college sits in Virginia's Blue Ridge foothills, about 40 minutes from Bristol and two hours from Knoxville. You'll need a winter coat here, as mountain winters bring snow and temperatures that drop into the 20s. With housing capacity for 1,008 students and total enrollment of 1,107, nearly everyone lives on campus during their time here.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name by the second week. Campus life revolves around the Wasps' 22 varsity sports programs, with 642 total athletes making up more than half the student body. The South Atlantic Conference keeps weekends busy with games, while the surrounding mountains offer hiking and outdoor activities. Students often gather at the campus center or head to nearby Abingdon for restaurants and shopping. Greek life and campus ministry provide social anchors at this United Methodist institution. The rural setting means most entertainment happens on campus, creating a tight-knit community where 69% of freshmen return for sophomore year.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 1,008 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	5	3
Stalking	5	0
Fondling	2	0
Dating Violence	1	0
Domestic Violence	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–44°F
July Avg: 61°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.2"
Annual Snowfall: 10.3"

Student Demographics

This United Methodist college draws primarily from Virginia and surrounding states, building its reputation locally rather than nationally. Nearly two-thirds of students come from in-state. The student body leans slightly female, which aligns with the school's strength in education and health sciences programs that traditionally attract more women. With 41% of students receiving Pell Grants, Emory & Henry serves many first-generation college students from rural Appalachian communities. The school's Methodist heritage and small size create a tight-knit community where students from working-class backgrounds can access quality liberal arts education.

Men: 46.1%
Women: 53.9%
White: 67.8%
Black: 12.1%
Hispanic: 3.6%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 63.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 40.9%

Location

Emory, Virginia sits in the heart of Appalachian coal country, about 90 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee. The campus occupies 335 acres in a town of roughly 1,200 residents. Students find themselves surrounded by rolling hills and mountain views rather than urban amenities. This rural setting means the closest Walmart requires a 30-minute drive to nearby Abingdon. The isolation creates a tight-knit campus community where 91% of students live on campus. Mining heritage runs deep in this region, though tourism and outdoor recreation have grown in recent decades. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Emory & Henry University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Emory, Virginia 24327-0947

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,385
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,479
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 64.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $279/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,332

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Emory & Henry University?

Emory & Henry University accepts 96.85% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. This small Methodist liberal arts college focuses on building close faculty-student relationships rather than exclusivity. With only 1,107 students enrolled, the admissions process emphasizes fit over selectivity.

How much does Emory & Henry University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,591 after financial aid, less than the full tuition of $35,280. About 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong support for lower-income families. Graduates typically leave with $26,332 in median debt and monthly loan payments of $279.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Emory & Henry University?

The student-faculty ratio is 12:1, reflecting the college's commitment to personalized attention. This small liberal arts environment allows professors to know students individually. The college is particularly known for strong programs in health sciences and teacher education.

What are the graduation rates at Emory & Henry University?

About 56% of students graduate in four years, with the six-year graduation rate at 54%. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $47,385. The 97.1% employment rate shows graduates successfully transition to careers or further education.

Where is Emory & Henry University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in rural Emory, Virginia, housing up to 1,008 students in a close-knit community setting. Nearly 63% of students come from in-state Virginia. The rural-fringe location provides a tight community feel while maintaining access to broader opportunities.

Does Emory & Henry University have strong athletic programs?

The college fields 22 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division II's South Atlantic Conference. With 642 total athletes, sports play a major role on campus life. The school awards $3.86 million annually in athletic scholarships, demonstrating significant investment in student-athlete success.