A Mennonite liberal arts university in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, emphasizing peace, justice, and cross-cultural engagement.
EMU offers 50+ undergraduate programs of study across three schools, with a liberal arts core curriculum emphasizing hands-on learning, internships, and research. The university requires all undergraduates to complete 9–15 semester hours of cross-cultural study, either through semester-long faculty-led trips to countries like Guatemala, South Africa, and India, or through alternative options such as internships in Washington, D.C. Graduate programs include master's degrees and a seminary, with specialized offerings in conflict transformation through the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. The institution emphasizes experiential learning, creation care, and intercultural engagement as core educational values.
EMU's main campus in Harrisonburg sits in the Shenandoah Valley near national forests and parks, fostering outdoor recreation including bicycling, kayaking, hiking, and skiing. The university maintains three LEED gold-certified residence halls and operates a greenhouse, arboretum, and vegetable garden. Students participate in twice-weekly chapel services, voluntary Bible study, and campus ministries led by trained pastors. Two-thirds of students engage in intramural sports, and the university fields NCAA Division III teams known as the Royals. A vibrant music program includes choral ensembles, jazz band, and chamber orchestra. The Community Lifestyle Commitment guides student conduct, emphasizing stewardship, social responsibility, and community expectations around alcohol, tobacco, and sexual conduct.
In 2024, EMU accepted 99.5% of undergraduate applicants with a test-blind admissions policy; enrolled students averaged a 3.7 high school GPA. Only 3–4% of admitted students submitted standardized test scores (average SAT 1320, ACT 29). The university does not require SAT or ACT scores. EMU offers honors scholarships covering 50–100% of tuition for high-achieving students, renewable annually. The institution welcomes first-year, transfer, and international students, with dedicated counselors and support services for each pathway.
EMU graduates achieve strong employment outcomes: 98% of job-seeking alumni are hired within one year of graduation, 100% of teacher education graduates were employed within six months, and 83% of business internship participants received full-time job offers. The university reports high acceptance rates to medical schools and 100% employment for 2019 nursing graduates within six months. U.S. News & World Report ranked EMU tied for No. 48 among 135 Regional Universities in the South (2025). The institution is accredited and recognized for character development and sustainability initiatives.