Emory & Henry makes history with largest incoming class in 190 years (copy)
Emory & Henry is welcoming 492 students for the fall semester.
This week, Emory & Henry University welcomed its largest incoming undergraduate class in its 190-year history, marking a significant enrollment milestone and reflecting growing momentum for the University. The University reached this milestone under the leadership of Emory & Henry University President Dr. A. Louise “Lou” Fincher, who took the post in 2025.
A total of 492 students has joined the University for the fall semester, including 301 first-year students, 92 transfer students, 68 international students and many readmit or special program/exchange students. This is a nearly 30% increase over the fall 2025 incoming class and the largest population of new students in Emory & Henry’s history. The total anticipated enrollment across both the Emory campus and Health Sciences Campus in Marion is anticipated to be more than 1,200.
“This is an exciting moment for Emory & Henry, and we are thrilled to welcome our new and returning students to campus,” said Fincher. “This enrollment growth reflects the confidence students and families are placing in Emory & Henry and our commitment to providing an exceptional education that is both accessible and relevant to the opportunities of today and tomorrow.”
Last year, the University announced that it would lower its published undergraduate tuition price by 50%, from $39,975 to $19,990, bringing tuition closer to what students usually pay after scholarships and financial aid are applied. The University continues to offer academic merit, performance and affinity scholarships as well as need-based financial aid to new and returning students to reduce this price even more.
The University deepened its commitment to accessibility for Virginia residents in early 2026 with the announcement of the Emory & Henry Promise, a program that covers the cost of tuition for Virginia students who meet financial eligibility criteria. The launch of the Promise built upon and cemented the institution’s commitments to accessibility for students in the region and across Virginia.
Under the tuition Promise, new students who are Virginia residents with a household adjusted gross income (AGI) of $85,000 or less and a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 3,000 or less on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will receive federal, state, and University gift aid that will completely cover the cost of tuition. The tuition Promise applies to incoming first-year and transfer students.
Kasey Ball, an incoming first-year student from Abingdon, knew she wanted to attend the University even before the Promise program was announced. “My father passed away in 2022,” said Ball. “At the time, we were unsure how I was going to financially support my future career. The Promise program allows me to get an education that provides me with the opportunity to serve my community.”
Ball graduated from high school in May as part of Emory & Henry University’s inaugural Southwest Virginia Healthcare Excellence Academy Lab School class. She plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree and looks forward to “exploring the nursing program, meeting new people, finding my place and cheering on Emory & Henry as part of the cheer team.”
The University recently announced a new general education curriculum designed to give students the real-world skills and experiences necessary to thrive in the workplace. Combined with career coaching, professional advising, and alumni connections, students will be more than ready to translate their classroom experiences into the world of work. Within six months of graduation, 96% of Emory & Henry students find employment or are accepted into graduate school.
“For 190 years, Emory & Henry has prepared students to lead lives of purpose and impact. Today, we are building on that legacy by creating new pathways to an Emory & Henry education for students here in Southwest Virginia and well beyond our region,” said Dr. Michael Lane, vice president for academic affairs at Emory & Henry University. “We want every student who comes here to know that they can be rooted in a strong community, prepared for a meaningful career, and ready to make a difference wherever life takes them.”
Prospective students and families are encouraged to request information, schedule a campus visit and reach out to emoryhenry.edu/admission for more information about enrollment at Emory & Henry University.
