EMU graces list of ‘Best Colleges in America’

Money.com recently released its annual list of the best colleges in the U.S., and EMU made the cut.

The personal finance site selected about 700 schools from more than 2,400 four-year colleges and universities nationwide and assessed each of them on the quality of their education, affordability, and student outcomes. 

“Money’s annual Best Colleges list showcases the country’s top values, based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more,” according to the site. “There isn’t one ‘best’ college for every student, but our star ratings on more than 700 colleges can help you build a list of standout schools that fit your budget.”

EMU earned a 3.5-star rating (out of five stars) on the list, outperforming schools such as Longwood University, University of Lynchburg, Mary Baldwin University, Roanoke College, Shenandoah University, and Virginia Commonwealth University, all of which received 3-star ratings. Bridgewater College, EMU’s neighboring ODAC school, was not included on the list. 

“This recognition from Money affirms what we already know to be true: our students graduate with more than just a degree. They’re launched from this wonderful place with a deep sense of purpose, equipped with the soft skills employers are seeking today, and fully prepared to make meaningful contributions in a complex world,” said Braydon Hoover ’11, MAOL ’21, vice president for enrollment. “Being named one of America’s Best Colleges reinforces that a small, mission-driven university like EMU delivers exceptional outcomes, personalized student support, and a lasting return on investment.”

Royal rankings

EMU has appeared on Money’s Best Colleges list for the past several years. In 2022, when schools on the list were ranked, EMU placed third among private four-year colleges in Virginia.

The university also earned high marks in U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings, placing #48 among the Best Regional Universities in the South for 2025. The publication ranked EMU at #95 nationwide among Top Performers on Social Mobility, which assesses how well schools graduate economically disadvantaged students.

In Niche.com’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings, EMU was named #3 out of 13 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia, #4 out of 21 Best Colleges for Nursing in Virginia, and #8 out of 26 Best Small Colleges in Virginia. 

EMU’s Collaborative MBA program has been recognized by OnlineU as one of the top online MBA programs in Virginia.

Money’s methodology

To be included on its list of best colleges, Money.com required schools to meet the following criteria:

• Schools must have at least 500 undergraduate students or 150 first-year students;
• Have sufficient, reliable data to be analyzed;
• Not be in financial distress; and 
• Have a graduation rate that was at or above the median for its institutional category (public, private or historically black college or university), or have a high “value-added” graduation rate (in other words: score in the top 25% of graduation rates after accounting for the student body).

The 732 qualifying schools were then evaluated using 25 factors across three categories: quality, affordability, and outcomes.

• Quality measures focus on graduation rates.
• Affordability weighs the net price of a degree, student and parent borrowing, and loan repayment rates.
• Outcomes considers median earnings, the share of alumni working, and the share of alumni earning more than a high school graduate. 

Come see for yourself

Visit EMU in person during the state’s annual Virginia Private College Week from July 21-26. All week, EMU hosts special summer visit sessions including a campus tour and an information session covering academics, financial aid, the admissions process, and more.

In-person tours and info sessions will be offered the following days and times:

• From Monday, July 21 to Friday, July 25, at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. 
• On Saturday, July 26, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

EMU is among the 24 schools participating in the 2025 Virginia Private College Week, sponsored by the Virginia College Savings Plan. Participating institutions are members of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia.

To register for Virginia Private College Week at EMU, go to emu.edu/vpcw or contact the Admissions Office at 540-432-4118 or admiss@emu.edu.