When you picture college life, you might imagine big cities, bustling quads, and sprawling campuses…
Oxford College: The Original Home of Emory University
Oxford College isn’t just a part of Emory University’s story—it’s where the story begins. Located in Oxford, Georgia, surrounded by tree-lined walkways and historic buildings, Oxford College offers students a uniquely personal way to begin their Emory journey.
The Original Home of Emory University
Oxford College sits on the original site where Emory College was founded in 1836 by the Methodist Episcopal Church. Named for Methodist Bishop John Emory, the college opened in the newly created village of Oxford, about 40 miles east of Atlanta. Its founders envisioned a place where academic rigor and moral purpose would come together—and that vision still shapes Oxford today.
A Legacy of Resilience
The college’s early years were full of challenges. In 1861 during the Civil War, Oxford closed and served as a hospital and military outpost. But it reopened in 1866 and steadily grew, thanks in part to generous donors like George Seney, whose gift funded the construction of Seney Hall—now an iconic symbol of the campus.
In 1919, Emory College moved to Atlanta, thereby creating the Emory Atlanta campus which houses Emory College, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Goizueta Business School, and Emory University’s Graduate programs today. The Oxford campus adapted, becoming a junior college and then, in 1964, officially returning to its roots as Oxford College of Emory University—a distinguished and rigorous undergraduate program.
Academic Excellence in a Personal Setting
Today, Oxford College combines a strong liberal arts foundation with a tight-knit campus experience. With fewer than 1,000 first- and second-year students and an average class size of 19, students at Oxford enjoy close relationships with professors and plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning, leadership, and research—starting from day one.
Oxford students earn an Associate of Arts degree before transitioning seamlessly to the Atlanta campus for their final two years. Whether students go on to Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Goizueta Business School, or the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, they bring with them unparalleled academic experiences and a strong sense of community.
An Original Place for Original People
If you’re looking to discovery a journey that’s yours alone – Oxford College may be the right place for you. It’s a place where your professors know your name, where community matters, and where academic excellence is paired with deep personal growth.
Learn more about the history of Oxford College here. Furthermore, if you’re wondering which campus is right for you, read our blog post about the Pathways through Emory.
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a. will all freshmen reside at oxford college or will they be split between oxford and emory?
b. do the freshmen apply only to oxford or to both oxford and emory?
c. how do you determine who goes to oxford and who goes to emory?
d. eventually do all students graduate from emory ie., get a degree from emory rather than oxford?
Hi there! Thank you for your questions.
a. will all freshmen reside at oxford college or will they be split between oxford and emory?
First-year students reside on both the Oxford and Atlanta Campuses, depending on which campus they were admitted.
b. do the freshmen apply only to oxford or to both oxford and emory?
Students have the opportunity to apply to Emory College, Oxford College, or both on their application.
c. how do you determine who goes to oxford and who goes to emory?
Student applications are reviewed holistically and admitted to Emory College, Oxford College, or both based on fit. Our holistic assessment of applicants considers their personal journeys, achievements, aspirations, and the positive change they can bring to our community and beyond.
d. eventually do all students graduate from emory ie., get a degree from emory rather than oxford?
Yes, after successfully completing the required coursework, all students will receive an Emory University degree, whether they start at Oxford College or Emory College and complete their studies through Emory College, the School of Nursing, or the Goizueta Business School.