School profile by CIT Consultant, Anne Weber

Driving through the gates into the pristine campus of Emory feels almost surreal. The immaculate limestone and marble buildings create an atmosphere that’s unlike any other school in its class—it doesn’t feel like an Ivy, nor does it feel like a southern belle. There’s a quiet elegance that’s too humble for the greatness within its walls.

Emory University is unusual in that its main campus in Atlanta is made up of Emory College, a mid-sized, highly selective liberal arts undergraduate school, as well as the Goizueta Business School and Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. And its Oxford campus, the original campus 38 miles to the East, offers an alternate start for 1000 first- and second-year undergrads, who then funnel into the main campus to complete their degrees. In addition, the Atlanta campus is home to graduate programs for law, medicine, nursing, public health, theology and business, thus doubling the student population on campus.

While Emory is most known for pre-health tracks, enriched by an on-campus hospital, nursing and medical schools, and very close proximity to the CDC, its prowess also extends to its BBA program. Sophomores apply to the business program for their third and fourth years. The flexibility of the undergrad experience allows most students to double-major or specialize in more than one track within their major.

Emory boasts some of the nicest dorms of any school. First and second-year students live in dorms, each with a theme. Third and fourth-year students can elect university-owned apartments on an adjacent (shuttle provided) property that feels like a resort, complete with a heated Olympic-sized pool and grills. 

The student body at Emory is incredibly diverse and immediately welcoming. Emory’s Division III Athletes compete at some of the highest levels of their UAA conference. Of note: there is no football team.

Greek life is present but not overwhelming, fraternities maintain inviting houses, while sororities share a democratic space—a large building split into equal units.

While Emory’s lush campus is fully enclosed, it sits in an upscale Atlanta suburb connected to downtown and the airport via MARTA. Cars are not necessary for Emory students to take advantage of everything Atlanta has to offer.