US University · Ranked #24
Emory University: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Emory University is a highly selective university that admits roughly 11.4% of applicants. Set in Atlanta, Georgia and ranked #24 nationally in our dataset, Emory attracts a deep, accomplished applicant pool, so a strong academic record is the entry ticket rather than the deciding factor. Successful candidates typically pair excellent grades with a clear, well-articulated reason for applying here specifically.
Emory University is a top research university in Atlanta known for its strong pre-med and business programs, close ties to the CDC, and vibrant campus life.
This guide breaks down Emory's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Emory University admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 11.4%
- SAT range
- 1390–1530
- Average GPA
- 3.86
- In-state
- $59,514
- Out-of-state
- $59,514
- Enrollment
- 7,082
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Atlanta, Georgia
How hard is it to get into Emory University?
An acceptance rate of 11.4% places Emory firmly in the highly selective category. Academic excellence is necessary but not sufficient here: the majority of denied applicants are fully qualified on paper. Decisions turn on the strength of essays, recommendations, and demonstrated depth in a few areas rather than a long list of activities.
Plan for Emory as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at Emory typically score between 1390 and 1530 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1390 and a quarter above 1530. A score at or above 1530 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.86 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1460 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.86. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1390) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
Emory Universityapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Decision: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 1
Emory's Early Decision deadline is Nov 1, with Regular Decision on Jan 1. Early Decision is binding — an admit obligates you to enroll and withdraw other applications. Apply ED only if Emory is your clear first choice and you do not need to weigh competing financial-aid packages; the bump in admit rate is real but it is a commitment, not a tactic.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 1.
Notable programs at Emory University
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Nursing — a clinical pathway with prerequisite coursework and, in some cases, separate admission.
- Public Health — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Biology — a common pre-health major with heavy lab and prerequisite expectations.
- Psychology — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
Emory is particularly known for Business, Nursing, Public Health, Biology, and Psychology.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending Emory University
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Emory charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $59,514 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
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Emory University: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Emory University?
- Emory University has an acceptance rate of 11.4%, which makes it highly selective. Plan for Emory as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
- What SAT score do you need for Emory University?
- Admitted students at Emory University typically score between 1390 and 1530 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1530 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1390 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into Emory University?
- The average GPA of admitted students at Emory University is approximately 3.86 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.86 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for Emory University?
- Emory University's application deadlines: Early Decision is Nov 1 (binding); Regular Decision is Jan 1. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Emory University a public or private university?
- Emory University is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend Emory University?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Emory charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $59,514 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.