Emory University
Emory University is a private nonprofit university in Atlanta, GA ranked #43 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A, enrolling about 7,275 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 11.1%. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Academically, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 96.2% first-year retention, and 91.8% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $23,911, about $6,913 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -2160.5%, roughly 2245.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $74,980. That's about $31,292 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Emory University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Emory University graduates 91.8% of students within six years and keeps 96.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Emory University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $60,774 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,972 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,626 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $78,814 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 18.2% of Emory University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $6,895 to $54,582 depending on family income. Use Emory University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $21,124/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $54,582/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $74,980
- 10-Year Median Earnings $74,980
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $16,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 79.7%
- Employment Rate 80.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Emory University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Emory University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Emory University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Emory University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Emory University graduates earn $74,980 median, the -21.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 710-760
- SAT Math 750-790
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 32-34
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 7,275
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 96.2%
- Graduation Rate 91.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Emory University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Emory University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 11.1%, Emory University is highly selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Emory University's 11.1% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Strong test scores, GPA, and a well-rounded application are essential. Early application can improve your chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1460 and 1550 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Emory University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 14.1%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 13.3%
- Biology, General 8.0%
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences 5.6%
- Psychology, General 5.1%
- Economics 5.0%
See more majors
- Chemistry 3.7%
- Political Science and Government 3.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $166,603
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $127,583
- 3. Economics $104,633
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $90,043
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $89,034
- 6. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $84,516
- 7. Area Studies $83,027
- 8. Applied Mathematics $81,787
- 9. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $81,404
- 10. International Relations and National Security Studies $80,251
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Master's Degree) $196,592
- 2. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $191,246
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $189,646
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies (Master's Degree) $188,661
- 5. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $134,426
- 6. Law (First Professional Degree) $129,964
- 7. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $124,686
- 8. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $109,067
- 9. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $107,716
- 10. Theological and Ministerial Studies (First Professional Degree) $102,148
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $166,603—108% more than International Relations and National Security Studies ($80,251). Graduate: Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services programs lead with $196,592 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Emory University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 387 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 364 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 343 graduates)
- Public Health (Master's Degree, 327 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 280 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (52 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Psychology, General
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Political Science and Government
- Statistics
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Computer Science
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Mathematics and Statistics, Other
- Area Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Philosophy
- History
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- English Language and Literature, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Music
- Applied Mathematics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Mathematics
- Accounting and Related Services
- Physics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Physical Sciences
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Dance
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Public Policy Analysis
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Education, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biological and Physical Sciences
Online Master's Degrees (51 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Public Health
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Computer Science
- Accounting and Related Services
- Economics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Genetics
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Psychology, General
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Anthropology
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Religious Education
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Physics
- Nutrition Sciences
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Music
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Materials Sciences
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Education, General
- Demography and Population Studies
- Business/Commerce, General
- Behavioral Sciences
- Area Studies
Online Doctoral Degrees (30 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Psychology, General
- Nutrition Sciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Anthropology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Public Health
- Philosophy
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Business/Commerce, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Physics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- History
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Behavioral Sciences
- Materials Sciences
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Education, General
- Economics
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (5 programs)▼
- Public Health
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Social Sciences, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Area Studies
Online First Professional Degrees (6 programs)▼
- Law
- Medicine
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 7,275
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 42.9%
- Female Students 57.1%
- Caucasian 31.1%
- Asian 25.2%
- Hispanic 11.8%
- Black 9.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 18.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Emory University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Emory University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Emory University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Emory University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Emory University has a diverse student body, with 31.1% identifying as White. About 18.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Emory University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Emory University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #43 nationally, Emory University combines competitive admissions with -21.6% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $74,980 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 91.8% six-year rates, with 96.2% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $23,911 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 377 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: Emory University's Market Position
A grade | #43 of 1927 | 90.8/100 EDsmart Score
Competitive Positioning: Emory University occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The -21.6% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $23,911 annually produces $74,980 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing Emory University should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: Emory University's #43 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 377 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 91.8% six-year graduation rate sits 29.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 96.2% first-year retention is 19.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -21.6% return on investment is 106.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $74,980 run about 72% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $23,911 is roughly $4,037 higher than the national median of $19,874.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 96.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 80.1% employment rate within three years sits 11.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $23,911 is about $4,037 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 18.2% trails the national share by 15.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Emory University—a private nonprofit university in Atlanta, GA—at A overall. It is currently ranked #43 nationally Completion earns A, Support A+, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability D-.
96.2% of learners come back after year one while 91.8% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -21.6%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $23,911 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $78,814.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $54,903 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 18.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $74,980 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 72% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 80.1% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -21.6% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
11.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Emory University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Georgia campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Atlanta, GA 30322
- Website www.emory.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$11.16B