Emory & Henry University
Emory & Henry University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Emory & Henry University at a Glance
Emory & Henry University is a private university in Emory, Virginia, United States. The campus lies on 335 acres (1.36 km2) of Washington County, which is part of the Appalachian highlands of Southwest Virginia. Founded in 1836, EHU is the oldest institution of higher learning in Southwest Virginia. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
1836
190 years old
$105M
$105 million (mid-2025)
1,364
1,107 undergrad · 257 grad
98
Identity
Is Emory & Henry University Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Emory & Henry University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,385 — 12% below average — while paying $19,061/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 55% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $26,332 representing 56% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Emory & Henry University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Emory & Henry University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in VA
Ranked #53 of 140 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #6 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | 52 | $18,327 | $56,405 |
| #53 | Emory & Henry University | 34 | $19,061 | $47,385 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Emory & Henry University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in VA.
Best Programs at Emory & Henry University
The highest-earning program at Emory & Henry University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $34,700/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Emory & Henry University earns $34,700, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $34,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,061/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $34,700 | $34,700 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Emory, VA
- Student Body
- 1,078 students
- Admission Rate
- 84%
- Graduation Rate
- 55%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,061
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,385
- Median Student Debt
- $26,332