Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Emory, Virginia
96.3% Acceptance Rate
Emory & Henry University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
96.3%Acceptance Rate
3.5Avg GPA
1171Avg SAT
26Avg ACT
$52,311Annual Cost
$47,385Grad Salary
40.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
96.3%
Avg GPA
3.5
Avg SAT
1171
Avg ACT
26
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1030–1240
ACT Middle 50%
21–30
Need-Based Aid
40.9% receive Pell
Emory & Henry University is a private, liberal arts institution in Virginia known for its commitment to civic engagement, academic rigor, and supportive community. Admissions are holistic, evaluating students on their intellectual potential, character, and their readiness to thrive in an environment that prioritizes mentorship. The university seeks individuals who are ready to engage in deep, discussion-based inquiry and prepare for successful futures through a broad, liberal arts foundation.
Prospective students should highlight their participation in extracurricular activities that foster leadership, introspection, or community impact. Demonstrating a proactive approach to learning such as pursuing independent research or engaging in relevant volunteer work can significantly strengthen an application. A successful personal statement reflects a clear understanding of how the university's unique, student-centered academic environment will prepare the student for their specific career and personal aspirations, showcasing a desire for both intellectual and personal growth.
Emory & Henry University Acceptance Rate
Emory & Henry University runs an open-access admission policy — with a 96.3% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in — worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 96.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.05
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Emory & Henry University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Emory & Henry University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of November 15 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 111 days left — Early Action
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Emory & Henry University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Early Action
November 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (2025/12/01 (Merit scholarship priority)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Emory & Henry University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Emory & Henry University is 3.5. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.20 and 3.5? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently — for an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.70–3.90.Emory & Henry University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.10 – 3.29
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.09
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- No essay or application fee is required (Common App or free E&H application); admission is test-optional. Early Action I opens by Nov. 15, Early Action II by Jan. 15, Regular Decision by July 13.
- Merit Scholarships are awarded automatically based on weighted GPA and renewable up to 4 years; Performance and Affinity Scholarships require attending a separate Scholarship Days audition/interview event, and one such award can be stacked on top of the Merit Scholarship.
- Starting Fall 2026, tuition is reduced to $19,990, and the new "Emory & Henry Promise" covers full tuition for Virginia residents with household AGI ?$85,000 and a FAFSA Student Aid Index ?3,000.
- Emory & Henry maintains named Concurrent Admission Agreements with multiple Virginia community colleges for structured transfer pathways; the university was ranked #27 by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026 Best Colleges rankings.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Emory & Henry University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Emory & Henry University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Emory & Henry University Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Emory & Henry University is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Emory & Henry University Without SAT or ACT?
Emory & Henry University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
Emory & Henry University Average SAT Score: 1171
The average SAT score of admitted students at Emory & Henry University is 1171 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1171 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1240 SAT or 30 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Emory & Henry University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1030, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Emory & Henry University. Retaking multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 555 | 500 | 610 |
| SAT Reading | 580 | 530 | 630 |
| SAT Composite | 1171 | 1030 | 1240 |
Below 1030, you're behind most admitted students; at 1240 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Emory & Henry University with a 1250 SAT?
A 1250 SAT puts you ahead of most of Emory & Henry University's admitted class — but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Emory & Henry University ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Emory & Henry University is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 26 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean without being elite-tier.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 20 | 26 |
| ACT English | 23 | 19 | 27 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 21 | 30 |
Can I get into Emory & Henry University with a 30 ACT?
A 30 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Emory & Henry University's admitted students — a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section (Science, especially, at STEM-focused schools) stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Emory & Henry University.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Emory & Henry University
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Emory & Henry University's open-access model means the real strategic decisions happen after enrollment: course planning, advising, and whether to transfer later.
Skip essay-writing entirely - Emory & Henry no longer requires one, and the app is free
Emory & Henry has removed the essay requirement altogether (not just made it optional) and charges no application fee through either the Common App or its own free E&H application. The entire admission decision rests on transcript and, optionally, test scores - students should spend effort ensuring transcripts are sent promptly rather than polishing writing that won't be read.
Apply early specifically to unlock Scholarship Days audition/interview opportunities
Merit scholarships are awarded automatically based on weighted GPA at the time of application, but Performance and Affinity Scholarships - for talents like music, theatre, or other specific interest areas - require attending a separate audition/interview event called Scholarship Days, open only to admitted high school seniors. A student can stack one Performance or Affinity award on top of their Merit Scholarship, but only if admitted in time to participate in a session before they're held.
Check eligibility for the new Emory & Henry Promise before assuming full sticker price
Starting Fall 2026, Virginia residents with a household AGI of $85,000 or less and a Student Aid Index of 3,000 or below on the FAFSA have their tuition fully covered by combined federal, state, and university gift aid - on top of tuition already being cut to $19,990. A Virginia family should run the FAFSA numbers before ruling out Emory & Henry on cost, since this program is new enough that many families won't yet know to ask about it by name.
Use the Concurrent Admission Agreements if starting at a Virginia community college
Emory & Henry maintains named Concurrent Admission Agreements with multiple Virginia community colleges, giving students a structured, guaranteed transfer pathway rather than a generic "credits may transfer" promise. A student planning to start at a Virginia community college with Emory & Henry as an eventual goal should ask specifically about the concurrent admission agreement for their two-year school by name at the point of community college enrollment.
Expert Insight:
Don't let a talented musician, actor, or student with another specific interest apply late and miss Scholarship Days - because Performance and Affinity Scholarships are awarded through a live audition/interview event rather than general application materials, a student who applies after sessions are scheduled may lose the chance to compete for that specific funding for the year, even though general Merit Scholarship money is unaffected.
Emory & Henry University Profile
Full Name
Emory & Henry University
City
Emory
State
Virginia
ZIP Code
24327-0947
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Emory & Henry University Degree Worth It?
At $52,311/year against a $47,385 median graduate salary, Emory & Henry University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation — the numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $53,600, with a graduate unemployment rate of 2.81%.
How much does a degree from Emory & Henry University Cost?
The sticker price is $52,311/year, but the average net price students actually pay — after Pell and federal grants — is typically much lower.
40.9% of students receive a Pell Grant and 65.9% take federal loans at Emory & Henry University — file your FAFSA early and list Emory & Henry University as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Emory & Henry University Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $47,385 — about 17% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Emory & Henry University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Emory & Henry University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, HI | 1180 | 25 |
| The College of Idaho | Caldwell, ID | 1166 | 24 |
| North Central College | Naperville, IL | 1165 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Emory & Henry University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
Degree Programs at Emory & Henry University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Emory & Henry University Admissions
Median earnings for Emory & Henry University graduates sit around $47,385 a year.
At about $52,311 a year, Emory & Henry University's cost is on the higher end; look closely at aid options.
About 40.9% receive a Pell Grant at Emory & Henry University — moderate odds, largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 96.3%, Emory & Henry University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Emory & Henry University average a 3.5 GPA.
Emory & Henry University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor — but landing at or above 3.2 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.1, Emory & Henry University becomes a harder reach — though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Emory & Henry University — aim above 1171, ideally within the 1030–1240 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Emory & Henry University is November 15. Rolling Admissions is also offered, so applying early improves your chances.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is 2025/12/01 (Merit scholarship priority). Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes — transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most — along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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