The Enrollment Cycle

Emory engages prospective students before senior year through visits, fairs, and outreach, identifying those who reflect its values. Applications open in August with multiple decision plans and deadlines from November to January. After admission, Financial Aid guides students through aid applications and ongoing support. Student Accounts manages tuition, payments, and graduation clearance, while the Registrar maintains records and oversees degree conferral. Together, these offices support students from first interest to graduation.

Strategic Student Pipeline

Prospective Students

Students first encounter Emory through strategic outreach efforts led by the Office of Admission, including digital campaigns, college fairs, school visits, and word of mouth. Admission efforts highlight Emory’s academic excellence, global engagement, and inclusive values, making a lasting impression. The team curates compelling narratives around academic strengths, campus life, values, and outcomes to attract a diverse applicant pool. Messaging is broad and inspirational, helping students envision themselves thriving in the Emory community.

Interest & Inquiry

Prospective students often begin their Emory journey by engaging directly with the Office of Admission—whether through campus visits, virtual tours, self-guided tours, information sessions, or inquiry forms. From that first touchpoint, admission staff actively guide students through the exploration process, offering personalized communications, curated resources, and invitations to relevant events. Their goal is to foster meaningful connections, answer questions, and help each student visualize themselves at Emory through a supportive and informative experience.

Application

At Emory University, the application process is designed to be as thoughtful and student-centered as the education we offer. From that first interaction, our admission team provides personalized guidance, tailored outreach, and curated resources to help each student explore what makes Emory distinctive. Applicants choose between Emory College and Oxford College—or both—on a single application, and select from Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision plans. We accept the Common Application and Coalition Application, and remain proudly test-optional through 2026. Our holistic review process considers academic achievement, personal character, and potential for impact, ensuring that every applicant is seen as a whole person. 

Admission & Financial Aid Offers

The admission offer is just the beginning of a student’s journey toward an accessible and transformative education. Once students are admitted, they receive comprehensive financial aid packages designed to meet 100% of their demonstrated need. Central to this commitment is the Emory Advantage program, which replaces need-based loans with institutional grants and scholarships—ensuring that qualified students can attend without the burden of debt.

Emory Advantage is automatically considered for all first-degree undergraduate students who apply for need-based aid, with no separate application required. Aid packages may also include federal work-study opportunities and other forms of support, depending on eligibility. This approach reflects Emory’s deep commitment to equity and access, enabling students from diverse financial backgrounds to thrive academically and personally.

We are excited to launch the Emory Advantage Plus program. 

Commitment & Deposit

Deposited students represent a pivotal moment in the enrollment journey—individuals who have made a confident commitment to join the community. A blend of factors shapes their decision: the strength of Emory’s academic reputation, the clarity and generosity of financial aid packages, the sense of belonging fostered through personalized outreach, and the authentic connections built during campus visits and virtual engagements. Once students submit their deposits, Enrollment Management shifts focus to sustaining momentum and deepening engagement. Through targeted communications, onboarding resources, and summer programming, the team works proactively to reduce melt and ensure that each student feels supported, informed, and excited to begin their Emory experience. This phase is not just about securing enrollment—it’s about affirming each student’s choice and preparing them to thrive.

Enrollment & Registration

Enrollment at Emory University is a dynamic, student-centered process that marks the transition from admission to full engagement as a scholar. It begins with course registration through OPUS, Emory’s comprehensive student portal, where students explore offerings and craft schedules that reflect their academic goals and intellectual curiosity. But enrollment is more than just selecting classes—it’s the gateway to becoming part of the Emory community.

Students receive their EmoryCards, unlocking access to campus resources, and participate in a robust orientation experience designed to foster connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Behind the scenes, the Office of the Registrar ensures seamless academic progression by providing students with tools, guidance, and support that empower them to navigate their educational journey with clarity and purpose.

From the first login to OPUS to the first walk across campus, enrollment at Emory is a thoughtfully orchestrated experience that blends logistics with inspiration—setting the stage for a transformative academic adventure.

Retention, Success, & Graduation

Emory University’s Enrollment Management is driven by a clear and ambitious goal: to foster student retention, ensure academic success, and guide every learner toward timely graduation. This mission is realized through a holistic framework that integrates personalized advising, financial wellness initiatives, and strategic academic planning—ensuring that students not only persist, but thrive.

From the moment students arrive, they are supported by a network of professionals who understand that success is multidimensional. Whether navigating course selection, managing financial responsibilities, or preparing for post-graduate pathways, Enrollment Management provides the scaffolding that empowers students to take ownership of their journey.

The Office of the Registrar plays a vital role in this ecosystem—certifying degree completion, issuing diplomas, and maintaining the integrity of academic records. Meanwhile, Enrollment Management continuously monitors student outcomes, using data-driven insights to refine strategies, close equity gaps, and elevate the student experience.

At its core, this work is about more than metrics—it’s about cultivating a campus culture where every student feels seen, supported, and set up to succeed.