Emory University
Georgia, United States
Founded1836
Campus985 acres
Research$1.1B
Students8,000 UG
Updated February 5, 2026
Overview
Emory University is a comprehensive private research university and academic health sciences powerhouse founded in 1836 by Methodists. Originally established in Oxford, Georgia, the institution moved its main operations to Atlanta in 1915. Guided by a mission to "create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity," Emory has grown into a leading global institution and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU).
The university is recognized for its academic rigor and its role as a major economic engine in the metro-Atlanta area. It comprises nine schools and colleges, offering over 140 majors and minors. Emory is particularly well-known for its "Oxford-to-Atlanta" pathway, which allows undergraduates to begin their education in a small liberal arts setting before transitioning to the main research campus. The institution is also deeply integrated with a massive academic healthcare system that includes 11 hospitals.
Location
Emory University operates two distinct campuses in Georgia. The main Atlanta campus spans 631 acres in the Druid Hills neighborhood, serving as the primary hub for the university's operations and its extensive academic healthcare system. This location provides students with proximity to major metropolitan resources and institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The second location is the 354-acre Oxford College campus, situated 38 miles east of Atlanta in Oxford, Georgia. This site represents the university's original founding location and offers a close-knit, liberal arts-focused environment for students during their first two years of undergraduate study. The university also provides a fleet of battery-powered electric shuttles to facilitate transportation and sustainability across its locations.
Atlanta, United States
Also in: Oxford, United States
Campuses
Atlanta
MainAtlanta· United States
Oxford
Oxford· United States
Campus Culture
Emory University hosts a vibrant and diverse student body of approximately 16,000 students, including over 8,000 undergraduates. The community is notably international, with students from over 100 nations and international students comprising 15-18% of the first-year class. Student life is highly active, supported by over 480 student organizations and a strong culture of service, with 80% of students participating in volunteerism. Greek life is also a component of the campus experience, with nearly 20% student participation.
The university maintains unique traditions, most notably the presence of Dooley, a skeleton who serves as the "spirit of Emory" and the school's unofficial mascot. Athletics play a significant role in campus life; the Emory Eagles compete in 19 NCAA Division III varsity sports on the Atlanta campus, while Oxford College hosts 9 NJCAA sports. Additionally, the university is committed to environmental stewardship, ranking among the top 10 greenest universities in the U.S. and implementing initiatives like zero-waste dining and an organic farm.
Rankings
Emory University consistently maintains a high standing in national and global academic rankings. It is ranked No. 24 among national universities by U.S. News & World Report and is recognized as No. 21 for "Best Value." The university's professional schools also hold prestigious positions; the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is ranked No. 1 nationally for its undergraduate program, while the Rollins School of Public Health is ranked among the top three in the nation.
The Goizueta Business School’s BBA program is ranked No. 12 nationally, reflecting the university's strength in professional education. Beyond general rankings, Emory is distinguished by its massive research footprint and its status as one of the top 20 institutions nationally for National Institutes of Health (NIH) research support. The university's reputation is further bolstered by its highly selective admissions process and its commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for domestic students.
Research
As a premier research institution, Emory University received $1.1 billion in total research funding in FY2024. It is a global leader in health sciences, consistently ranking among the top 20 recipients of National Institutes of Health (NIH) support. The university's research has led to significant medical breakthroughs, including the discovery of a widely used HIV drug and the development of Molnupiravir for COVID-19. Its research ecosystem is enhanced by close collaborations with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and partnerships with Georgia Tech.
The university supports over 1,800 active technological innovations and houses several world-class research centers. These include the Winship Cancer Institute, which is Georgia’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Goizueta Brain Health Institute. Additionally, Emory hosts specialized facilities such as the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, which contains significant collections in African American literature and modern poetry.