Emory University Scholarships: A Guide to Requirements and Opportunities

Emory University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid programs to support undergraduate students in achieving their academic goals. These programs range from merit-based scholarships, which recognize academic excellence and leadership, to need-based grants, which provide financial assistance to students with demonstrated financial need. This article provides a detailed overview of the various scholarship opportunities available at Emory University, including eligibility requirements and application processes.

Understanding Financial Aid at Emory

Emory University is committed to making education accessible and affordable for all students. The university offers a comprehensive range of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. A key principle of Emory's financial aid philosophy is that the primary responsibility for financing educational costs lies with the family, to the extent they are able. However, Emory recognizes that families have diverse financial circumstances and strives to provide support to those who need it most.

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid at Emory University can be broadly categorized into the following types:

Grants and Scholarships: These are funding sources that do not need to be repaid. They can be need-based, merit-based, or tuition benefit programs.
Loans: These are borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest.
Work-Study: This program allows students to earn money through part-time employment to help cover educational expenses.

Impact of External Scholarships

It's important to note that external scholarships can impact the amount of federal, state, and institutional aid a student receives. Because the total financial aid package cannot exceed the cost of attendance or the student's eligibility, external scholarships may reduce the amount of other aid sources. Emory will contact students if their endorsement is needed on any external scholarship checks, but this may cause processing delays. Once the check is received and properly endorsed, it will be posted to the student's account.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Emory University offers several prestigious merit-based scholarship programs that recognize exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to service.

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Emory Scholars Program

The Emory Scholars Program is one of the university's signature merit scholarship programs. It provides a generous financial package, supplemental experiential opportunities, and a connection to a network of scholars, fellows, and alumni. The Robert W. Woodruff Scholarship, awarded to the top 1% of high school applicants, is the premiere merit scholarship for undergraduates at Emory.

To be considered for any and all scholar programs, you must select one of the three admission decision plans (Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision) and submit all required application materials by November 15.

The selection for merit-based scholar programs is administered by the Office of Admission in partnership with esteemed faculty. Roughly 8,000-10,000 students apply to be Scholars each year. Out of that, 175-200 students are selected as Scholar Finalists. Finalists are required to attend an on-campus Scholars Finalists Visit held in the spring. Finalists are brought to campus at no expense to the student.

Applicants who are not selected as finalists for a program are still fully reviewed for admission under their selected application plan and will also automatically be considered for other smaller merit-based scholarships.

The Scholar selection process is completely separate from the financial aid process. When a student is eligible for both merit scholarships and financial aid, merit scholarships are awarded first. Students who applied for financial aid may also be eligible for need-based grants and loans if there is remaining need beyond the merit scholarship award.

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Other Merit Scholarships

In addition to the Emory Scholars Program, the Scholars office oversees a set of merit scholarships that include applications and competitions for students who are already at Emory. These scholarships recognize significant achievements at Emory and provide financial support above and beyond any funding already provided by Financial Aid. Supported through endowments within Emory College of Arts and Sciences, the scholarships below are open to students solely enrolled in Emory College.

Dean's Achievement Scholarship (DAS): This highly competitive scholarship provides rising sophomores in Emory College with up to six semesters of merit aid at $5,000 per semester or $10,000 per year. The DAS recognizes students who have demonstrated both academic success and substantive co-curricular or community engagement and leadership in their first year at Emory.
To apply for the Dean's Achievement Scholarship, students must navigate to their College Connect Application Center, select "Start New Application," select "Emory Scholars Program" from the drop-down menu, select the scholarship from the second drop-down menu, and select "Create Application."The application typically opens in February and closes in March, with in-person campus interviews in April and decisions released shortly after.
Sam Bredow Memorial Scholarship: This annual scholarship is given to a student or students in the Emory College of Arts and Sciences who participate in Jewish life organizations at Emory. The scholarship awards students who excel in both their scholastic achievement and service to their organizations.
To apply for the Sam Bredow Memorial Scholarship, students should be solely enrolled at Emory College with no program of study in the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Goizueta Business School, or Oxford College. Students apply as first, second, or third-year students, to be awarded the following academic year.The application typically opens in February and closes in March, with decisions released in April and a luncheon for scholarship winners scheduled shortly after.

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Sonny Carter Scholarship: This annual scholarship is awarded to a student in the Emory College of Arts and Sciences who demonstrates a clear commitment to developing their full human potential. The scholarship will reward a student who is clearly striving to develop intellectual, physical, and moral qualities for the common good.
To be considered, students must apply as a junior, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be solely enrolled at Emory College with no program of study in the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Goizueta Business School, or Oxford College. Required materials include a resume, one essay, and two letters of recommendation. Applications typically open in February and close in March, with finalist interviews in April. The Sonny Carter Scholarship is a one-year scholarship awarded during a student’s fourth year in Emory College.
Robert T. Jones, Jr. Program: This is an exchange program between Emory University and the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Each year, four Emory University graduates and four St Andrews graduates are selected for a fully funded year of exchange between the universities. Bobby Jones Scholars pursue a master's degree or engage in exploratory, non-degree-seeking studies.
Phi Beta Kappa: Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is a prestigious national academic honor society.

Additional Merit-Based Opportunities

Applicants who are not selected as finalists for the Emory Scholars Program are still fully reviewed for admission and are automatically considered for other smaller merit-based scholarships. You do not need to submit any additional materials to be considered.

Need-Based Grants and Scholarships

Emory University offers a range of need-based grants and scholarships to help students with demonstrated financial need afford their education. Eligibility for these programs is determined based on information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile.

Federal Grants and Scholarships

The U.S. Department of Education offers several grant and scholarship programs for undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need.

Federal Pell Grant: Awards for undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor's degree range from $740 to $7,395. Grant amounts are pro-rated for less than full-time enrollment. Eligibility is determined using information provided on the FAFSA.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): This grant is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so completing the FAFSA early increases the chances of receiving these funds. Priority is given to students eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. Eligibility is determined using information provided on the FAFSA.

State of Georgia Grants and Scholarships

Georgia residents may be eligible for several state-funded grant and scholarship programs.

HOPE Scholarship: This scholarship is available to Georgia residents who graduated from an eligible high school and earned a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The award amount is determined annually by state appropriations. To be considered for this scholarship, students can complete the FAFSA or the Georgia State Finance Commission Application (GSFAPP) and submit the Georgia HOPE Scholarship/GTEG Supplemental Residency form to Emory's Office of Financial Aid.
Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG): This grant is available to Georgia residents attending Emory full-time. Requirements include graduation from an eligible high school at least 12 months prior to the first term in which the grant is received or graduation from a non-eligible high school plus established residency at least 24 months prior to the first term in which the grant is received. To be considered for this grant, students can complete the FAFSA or the Georgia State Finance Commission Application (GSFAPP) and submit the Georgia HOPE Scholarship/GTEG Supplemental Residency form to Emory's Office of Financial Aid.
Zell Miller Scholarship: This scholarship is available to Georgia residents who meet certain academic requirements, such as graduating from an eligible high school with a grade point average of 3.7 or higher and receiving a minimum score of 1200 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT, or graduating as the class valedictorian or salutatorian. To be considered for this scholarship, students can complete the FAFSA.

Emory University Grants and Scholarships

Emory University offers several need-based grants and scholarships to students with demonstrated financial need.

Emory University Grant: This grant is available to all traditional undergraduate students with a demonstrated financial need. Eligibility is determined using information provided on the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and IDOC.
BBA Grant: This grant is offered to students enrolled in the Goizueta Business School with a demonstrated financial need. Eligibility is determined using information provided on the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and IDOC.
Nursing School Grant & Irene Woodruff Grant: These grants are offered to students enrolled in the Nursing School with a demonstrated financial need. Eligibility is determined using information provided on the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and IDOC.
Emory Advantage Plus: Starting in fall 2026, this program covers full tuition for domestic first-degree undergraduate students from families with incomes up to $200,000 and with typical assets, through a variety of grant and scholarship aid sources (federal, state, institutional). Additional information, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the Emory University website.

Additional Need-Based Opportunities

George W. Jenkins Scholarship: The George W. Jenkins Scholarship is a four-year scholarship offered to first-year Emory students based on academic merit, financial need, and a sincere interest in service and enhancing community engagement. Recipients receive 8 semesters of funding. Your eligibility for the George W. Jenkins Scholarship will be determined once you have completed Emory's admission application. No additional application is required for this program.
QuestBridge: Emory University partners with QuestBridge, a national nonprofit program that connects high-achieving, low-income students with top colleges and universities. To apply to Emory University through QuestBridge, students must first apply for the QuestBridge National College Match in the early fall of their senior year.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to the merit-based and need-based scholarships mentioned above, Emory University offers several other scholarship opportunities.

Liberal Arts Scholarship

The Office for Undergraduate Admission awards partial-tuition Liberal Arts Scholarships to select students in recognition of their academic excellence. Liberal Arts Scholarships are renewable for eight semesters (fall/spring) of undergraduate study, as long as the recipient maintains a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 and demonstrates conduct of the highest standard. Emory Scholars are not eligible for this scholarship. Your eligibility for the Woodruff Scholars Program will be determined once you have completed Emory's admission application. No additional application is required for this program.

Oxford Scholars Program

The Oxford Scholars Program awards merit-based scholarships to exceptional incoming first-year students at Oxford College, based on their admission application. The Office of Financial Aid is not part of the Oxford Scholars selection process. Recipients receive 8 semesters of funding. Your eligibility for the Oxford Scholars Program will be determined once you have completed Emory's admission application. No additional application is required for this program.

BBA Dean's Scholarship

The BBA Dean's Scholarship renews merit scholarships a student receives from Emory College or Oxford College when they choose to transition to the Business School to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration as their undergraduate degree. Recipients receive a total of 8 semesters of funding regardless of the source of funding. Your eligibility for the BBA Dean's Scholarship will be determined if and when you choose to apply to Goizueta Business School in your second or third year of study. No additional application is required for this program.

Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship

The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation funds annual need-based scholarships for southern, Christian female students attending select institutions in the southeastern United States. At Emory University, Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students at Emory College, Oxford College, Emory College, the Nursing School, or the Medical Imaging Program. Your eligibility for the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship will be determined once you have completed the FAFSA and CSS Profile (if required for your program).

National Merit Scholarship

In order to receive an Emory National Merit Scholarship, a student must: 1) be a National Merit finalist, 2) be selected as a school-sponsored scholar, and 3) notify the National Merit Scholarship Corporation that Emory is their first-choice college. Students selected as school-sponsored National Merit Scholars will receive an Emory-sponsored scholarship of $2,000 annually for four years (8 semesters) of attendance. Finalists may also be chosen to receive other sponsored scholarships by National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Your eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship is determined based on your SAT/NMSQT performance. The amount of this benefit may be adjusted when combined with other tuition scholarships.

Education Abroad Scholarships

Financial aid can be applied to Emory's Education Abroad programs. Education Abroad also administers several Education Abroad scholarships to ensure their programs are accessible to as many students as possible. Application processes may vary by scholarship. The Office of Financial Aid is not part of the Emory Scholars selection process. Recipients receive 8 semesters of funding.

Emory Opportunity Award

The Emory Opportunity Award (EOA) is a merit scholarship offered to select students in recognition of their academic excellence, based on their admission application and financial aid materials. The EOA is renewable for four years (8 semesters), provided the recipient maintains a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2. Emory Scholars are not eligible for this scholarship. Your eligibility for the EOA will be determined once you have completed Emory's admission application, the FAFSA, and the CSS Profile. No additional application is required for this program.

Eligibility Requirements for Federal Aid

To be eligible for federal financial aid programs, students must meet certain requirements, including:

Being enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree in an eligible program.
Meeting satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards set by the school.
Being a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
Having a valid Social Security Number (SSN).

When applying for federal aid, some information will be verified with relevant federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration. The financial aid application information will also be checked against the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) to verify the certifications related to federal student loans and grants.

Eligibility for Emory Need-Based Programs

Eligibility for Emory's need-based financial assistance programs is determined using the information provided on the CSS Profile and the family's tax returns. Except for the additional requirements to complete the CSS Profile and submit tax records, eligibility for Emory institutional aid is determined using the same criteria for federal eligibility.

Non-Citizen Students

Individuals with a nonimmigrant visa are not eligible for federal student aid or need-based aid from Emory unless they have also received a Form I-94 with one of the endorsements listed above. Permanent residents of the Freely Associated States (Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau) may be eligible for Pell Grants, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), or work-study only.

How to Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid

The application process for scholarships and financial aid at Emory University varies depending on the specific program. However, here are some general steps to follow:

Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for all federal and state financial aid programs, as well as many Emory University need-based programs.
Complete the CSS Profile: The CSS Profile is required for Emory University's need-based financial aid programs.
Submit Required Documents: Gather and submit all required documents, such as tax returns and other financial information.
Apply for Admission: To be considered for merit-based scholarships, you must apply for admission to Emory University.
Check Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines and submit all materials on time.
Explore External Scholarships: Research and apply for external scholarships from other organizations and foundations.

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