
Emory & Henry University was founded in 1836 as Emory & Henry College in Southwest Virginia. Its name honors Methodist bishop John Emory and American statesman Patrick Henry, reflecting the religious and civic influences behind its founding.
The institution developed from a small liberal arts college into a university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Its adoption of the Emory & Henry University name reflects that broader range of credentials. The historic campus in Emory remains central to undergraduate life, while health sciences programs have expanded its presence in the region.
Emory & Henry University combines liberal arts and professional study. Undergraduate options span fields such as biology, business, education, English, history, psychology, and the performing arts. Students considering a particular major should check its current catalog requirements rather than assume that every listed subject is available in every degree format.
The university also offers graduate and professional study, particularly in health-related fields. Its health sciences presence in Marion is important for applicants considering programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or physician assistant studies: those programs have admissions requirements, clinical expectations, calendars, and costs that can differ substantially from those of undergraduate majors.
Across the institution, the reported student-to-faculty ratio is 12 to 1. That ratio describes overall enrollment relative to faculty; it does not mean every class has 12 students or that every major has the same access to courses.
Emory & Henry University's main campus is in Emory, Virginia, a small community in Southwest Virginia. The setting is rural rather than urban, so prospective students should consider how they would reach shopping, medical appointments, internships, and transportation connections.
The university also has a health sciences presence in Marion, Virginia. Applicants to professional programs should confirm where their classes and clinical work take place instead of assuming they will study on the main campus. Tri-Cities Regional Airport serves the broader region, but travel from the airport requires ground transportation. First-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus, which may matter in this setting.
Emory & Henry describes its educational mission in terms of liberal learning, professional preparation, and service. Its historical connection to the United Methodist tradition is part of its institutional identity, although applicants should distinguish that affiliation from the requirements of any particular course or program.
The university's emphasis on learning beyond the classroom is relevant when evaluating its curriculum: students should look at the experiential requirements of their intended major, including internships, fieldwork, or clinical placements where applicable. A mission statement expresses institutional priorities; it is not, by itself, evidence that every student has the same academic experience.
Name of the institution
Emory & Henry UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Rural: FringeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999Religious affiliation
Protestant (United Methodist Church)School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1836Emory & Henry University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.