About Emory University
Emory attracts ambitious students who want academic rigor without cutthroat competition. This private research university enrolls 7,275 undergraduates in Atlanta, where students benefit from both campus resources and city internships. The school has produced presidents like Jimmy Carter and entrepreneurs like Salman Khan of Khan Academy. With an 11.35% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1490, Emory competes with Ivy League schools for top students. The university excels in pre-med programs, business, and liberal arts research.
Despite a sticker price of $60,774, most families pay far less than expected. The average net price drops to $23,911 after aid, making this top education surprisingly accessible. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,895 annually. Graduates earn a median of $80,137 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $18,250. With a 93% employment rate and strong alumni networks in medicine and business, the investment pays off.
Nearly all students stick around, with a 96.17% retention rate that reflects campus satisfaction. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. While Division III athletics keep sports low-key, students find plenty of research opportunities at this Methodist-affiliated university that values both academic excellence and social responsibility.
Despite a sticker price of $60,774, most families pay far less than expected. The average net price drops to $23,911 after aid, making this top education surprisingly accessible. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,895 annually. Graduates earn a median of $80,137 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $18,250. With a 93% employment rate and strong alumni networks in medicine and business, the investment pays off.
Nearly all students stick around, with a 96.17% retention rate that reflects campus satisfaction. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. While Division III athletics keep sports low-key, students find plenty of research opportunities at this Methodist-affiliated university that values both academic excellence and social responsibility.
Academics & Faculty
Emory stands among the nation's top research universities, particularly well-known for its medical school and business programs. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship in rigorous academic environments. Students benefit from Emory's strong liberal arts foundation alongside strong professional schools. The university excels in pre-med preparation, with many students leveraging connections to the CDC and nearby medical facilities. Business students gain access to top-tier MBA programs and Atlanta's corporate networks. The 91% six-year graduation rate reflects both academic rigor and extensive support systems. Research opportunities abound across disciplines, from public health to neuroscience, giving undergraduates rare access to modern faculty work.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 74.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 90.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 91.8%
- Retention Rate
- 96.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $80,137
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies. | Master | $194,665 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Master | $162,817 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $135,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $134,287 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,440 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $100,571 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $83,177 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $77,283 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $72,711 |
| Genetics. | Master | $72,671 |
Campus Life
Emory's 630-acre campus sits in Atlanta's affluent Drexel Hills neighborhood, just 15 minutes from downtown. The Gothic Revival architecture and tree-lined quads create a traditional college feel within a major metropolitan area. With housing capacity for 4,813 students and total enrollment of 7,275, about two-thirds of undergraduates live on campus. Atlanta's mild climate means you'll need light jackets in winter but can expect hot, humid summers.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Weekend life revolves around the nearby Virginia-Highland and Little Five Points neighborhoods, known for eclectic restaurants and nightlife. Students frequently intern at the CDC, CNN, or Coca-Cola headquarters downtown. The campus buzzes with pre-med energy given Emory's world-well-known medical school and research opportunities. Greek life attracts about 30% of students, while others gravitate toward service organizations or the campus's many cultural events. The combination of Southern charm and academic intensity defines the Emory experience.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Weekend life revolves around the nearby Virginia-Highland and Little Five Points neighborhoods, known for eclectic restaurants and nightlife. Students frequently intern at the CDC, CNN, or Coca-Cola headquarters downtown. The campus buzzes with pre-med energy given Emory's world-well-known medical school and research opportunities. Greek life attracts about 30% of students, while others gravitate toward service organizations or the campus's many cultural events. The combination of Southern charm and academic intensity defines the Emory experience.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 4,813 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1836
Campus Safety (2023)
282 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 68 | 18 | 2 | 2 |
| Burglary | 52 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 21 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 21 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 15 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 13 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 10 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Arson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Negligent Manslaughter | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–51°F
- July Avg
- 69°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.5"
Student Demographics
Emory draws ambitious students from across the country, with nearly 90% coming from out-of-state. The student body reflects the university's research focus and pre-professional programs, with Asian students comprising a quarter of enrollment. Women outnumber men by 57% to 43%, aligning with Emory's strength in liberal arts and health sciences. Despite the $61,000 sticker price, 18% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to socioeconomic diversity. Students typically score 1490 on the SAT and graduate with relatively low debt loads of $18,250, reflecting strong financial aid support.
- Men
- 42.9%
- Women
- 57.1%
- White
- 31.2%
- Black
- 9.3%
- Hispanic
- 11.8%
- Asian
- 25.2%
- In-State Students
- 11.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.2%
Location
Emory University sits in Atlanta, Georgia's Druid Hills neighborhood, just six miles from downtown Atlanta. The 631-acre campus blends into one of the South's most active metropolitan areas, home to 6.1 million residents. Atlanta serves as the economic and cultural center of the Southeast, hosting major corporations like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines. The city's tree-lined streets earned it the nickname "City in a Forest," with 48% canopy coverage throughout the metro area. Students benefit from internship opportunities across Atlanta's thriving business districts and strong cultural institutions like the High Museum of Art. The campus maintains a suburban feel despite being minutes from a major urban center. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Emory University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Atlanta, Georgia 30322
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $80,137
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $83,826
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $65,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 79.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $193/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Emory University?
Emory accepts just 11.35% of applicants, making it highly selective among national universities. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1430-1550 on the SAT, reflecting the university's academic prestige as a top research institution.
How much does Emory University cost after financial aid?
While Emory's sticker price reaches $80,996 annually, the average net price drops to $23,911 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,895 on average, as Emory meets full demonstrated need for all admitted students.
What is Emory University known for academically?
Emory maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring close mentorship in its well-known pre-med, business, and liberal arts programs. The university's 91.80% six-year graduation rate reflects its academic rigor and strong support systems for student success.
What do Emory University graduates earn after college?
Emory graduates earn a median salary of $80,137 ten years after graduation, well above national averages. With a 93% employment rate and typical student debt of just $18,250, the university delivers strong return on investment for its academic reputation.
Where is Emory University's campus located?
Emory's campus sits in Atlanta, providing 7,275 students access to internships and research opportunities in a major metropolitan area. The university houses 4,813 students on campus, creating a close-knit community within the bustling city environment.
Is Emory University affiliated with any religion?
Emory maintains a United Methodist affiliation dating back to its 1836 founding, though the university welcomes students of all backgrounds. This heritage influences the school's commitment to service and ethical leadership, values reflected in notable alumni like President Jimmy Carter.
