Emory University is a private university in Atlanta, GA with 16,063 students. Its 11.1% acceptance rate places it among America's most selective universities. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Social Sciences, and Biological Sciences. Graduates earn a median of $80,137 ten years after enrollment.
With an acceptance rate of 11.1%, Emory University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
Your Profile
Emory University Is...
What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application
Match
Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths
Reach
Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA
Hard Reach
Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates
Emory University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Emory. Families earning $0-30k pay around $7,363 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $53,018. 18% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Emory enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. The median debt of $18,250 is very manageable relative to the $74,980 median salary six years out.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$7,363
$29,452
$30-48k
$9,220
$36,880
$48-75k
$11,237
$44,948
$75-110k
$13,821
$55,284
$110k+
$53,018
$212,072
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$18,972
Total Cost of Attendance
$83,622
Popular Majors at Emory University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
18.3%
Social Sciences
15.5%
Biological Sciences
14.7%
Mathematics/Statistics
8.8%
Psychology
7.1%
Health Professions
6.1%
Physical Sciences
4.8%
Visual/Performing Arts
4.4%
Computer Science
3.6%
Parks/Recreation
3.2%
Philosophy/Religion
2.6%
English/Literature
2.5%
Ethnic/Cultural Studies
2.2%
Student Demographics
White
32.3%
Black/African American
8.5%
Hispanic/Latino
11.0%
Asian
23.2%
International
18.8%
How to Get Into Emory University
Emory is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1505+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Emory wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
1505
Target SAT Score
33
Target ACT Score
11.1%
Acceptance Rate
31,929
Total Applicants
What Emory University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Considered
Application Essay
Very Important
Recommendation
Important
Extracurricular Activities
Very Important
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Very Important
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Considered
Interview
Considered
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Considered
Emory University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Emory University ED I/II admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Early Decision
Nov 1
Early Decision II
Jan 1
Regular Decision
Jan 1
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Feb 15
Early Decision: Emory University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Emory University is your clear first choice.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
18.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$18,250
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$74,980
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Emory University
What is Emory's acceptance rate?
Emory has an acceptance rate of 11.1%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Emory?
The middle 50% SAT range at Emory is 1460-1550. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 32-34. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Emory?
The most popular majors at Emory by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (18.3%), Social Sciences (15.5%), Biological Sciences (14.7%), Mathematics/Statistics (8.8%), Psychology (7.1%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do Emory graduates earn?
Emory graduates earn a median salary of $80,137 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is Emory worth the cost?
With median earnings of $80,137 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $18,250, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making Emory a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
Can I transfer to Emory?
Emory accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
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