Christian School CompassTrue north for Christian families.
Eastern Mennonite University: Eastern Mennonite University Campus Center Building
Photo: Dyoder, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Christian college

#11 Christian colleges with the strongest missions and service in America

Eastern Mennonite University

Harrisonburg, VA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Mennonite Church USA · Mennonite and Brethren

Real cost

Average price after aid About $25,000 a year

Median debt at graduation: $24,813 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is affiliated with Mennonite Church USA and is a Christian university. Campus worship is held in Martin Chapel every other Wednesday morning, and student-led Celebration worship meets every other Sunday evening.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Eastern Mennonite University

  1. MonToday

    No set time

  2. TueToday

    No set time

  3. WedToday

    • 10:15AMChapelEvery other Wednesday

  4. ThuToday

    No set time

  5. FriToday

    No set time

  6. SatToday

    No set time

  7. SunToday

    • 7:00PMWorship nightEvery other Sunday

No set time: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat

Times as the college publishes them. Check before you plan a visit.

In the college’s own words

  • “Celebration is a student-led Christian worship service held every other Sunday evening at 7 p.m.”

    Source: emu.edu

  • “Y-Serve plans regular service trips during fall and spring break.”

    Source: emu.edu

  • “Student song leaders offer twice monthly hymn sings in Martin Chapel.”

    Source: emu.edu

Questions students ask

What's a normal week?

Campus worship meets every other Wednesday from 10:15 to 11:05 a.m. in Martin Chapel, and Celebration, a student-led service, meets every other Sunday at 7 p.m.

Source: emu.edu
Where do I find community?

Small groups and Bible studies are organized for encouragement, accountability, support and discipleship.

Source: emu.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Y-Serve plans regular service trips during fall and spring break.

Source: emu.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Academic Excellence

A-Academic Excellence: A- (grade A-): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
76 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.67%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.76%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.9 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$12,697

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

DWorship and chapel: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

49 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (Campus worship every other Wednesday, which is less than weekly.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Worship at EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life/worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Campus worship is held in Martin Chapel every other Wednesday 10:15-11:05 a.m.”
      Campus worship is held in Martin Chapel every other Wednesday, 10:15 to 11:05 a.m.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesTwice a month (Celebration student worship every other Sunday evening (about twice a month).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Worship at EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life/worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Celebration is a student-led Christian worship service held every other Sunday evening at 7 p.m.”
      Celebration student worship meets every other Sunday evening at 7 p.m. in Old Common Grounds.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsPart-time (A named University Chaplain serves students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Worship at EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life/worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Contact University Chaplain Brian Martin Burkholder at brian.burkholder@emu.edu or (540)432-4115.”
      The University Chaplain is Brian Martin Burkholder, with contact details.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Worship at EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life/worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Campus worship is held in Martin Chapel every other Wednesday 10:15-11:05 a.m.”
      Campus worship is held in Martin Chapel every other Wednesday, 10:15 to 11:05 a.m.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (2 weekly times documented: 1 chapel, 1 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
N/ABible and theology: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Bible and theology

Not enough information · 3 of 6 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsOne choice among others (REL 202 Reading the Bible is one choice in the humanities list; no Old and New Testament course is required of all students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 EMU Undergraduate Catalogemu.edu/catalog/docs/Undergraduate-Catalog-2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “REL 202 Reading the Bible (3 SH)”
      REL 202 Reading the Bible is a course option in the humanities list.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (The mission statement says the learning community integrates Christian faith with academic rigor. The general education outcomes include Faith & Meaning, which draws on Christian scripture and Anabaptist beliefs.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission, Vision, Values | EMUemu.edu/president/mission.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Our community of learning integrates Christian faith, academic rigor, artistic creation”
      The university's mission says its community of learning integrates Christian faith with academic work.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (A theology and religion major is offered (in the catalog's list of programs).)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-27 EMU Undergraduate Catalogemu.edu/catalog/docs/Undergraduate-Catalog-2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “global studies major, the theology and religion major, minors in peacebuilding and global”
      A theology and religion major is offered.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
CChristian community: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

65 of 100 points · 4 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (One named professional campus minister (University Chaplain) listed on public pages, plus student chaplains who are students.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Worship at EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life/worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Contact University Chaplain Brian Martin Burkholder at brian.burkholder@emu.edu or (540)432-4115.”
      The University Chaplain is Brian Martin Burkholder, with contact details.
    2. Faith and Spiritual Life at EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Office of Faith and Spiritual Life helps you to explore your faith, no matter”
      The Office of Faith and Spiritual Life supports students' faith and spiritual life.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few (Small groups and Bible studies are organized. Y-Serve and Celebration are student groups.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Worship at EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life/worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Small groups and Bible studies are organized for encouragement, accountability, support and discipleship.”
      Small groups and Bible studies are organized for students.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes (A directory of Harrisonburg area congregations helps students find a church.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Harrisonburg Area Congregations and Faith Communitiesemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life/directory · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “This directory assists members of the EMU campus community in finding a congregation or faith community.”
      The university publishes a directory of local congregations to help students find a church.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (Office of Faith and Spiritual Life, led by the University Chaplain.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith and Spiritual Life at EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Office of Faith and Spiritual Life helps you to explore your faith, no matter”
      The Office of Faith and Spiritual Life supports students' faith and spiritual life.
    2. Worship at EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life/worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Contact University Chaplain Brian Martin Burkholder at brian.burkholder@emu.edu or (540)432-4115.”
      The University Chaplain is Brian Martin Burkholder, with contact details.
AMissions and service: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

93 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes (Y-Serve Community Volunteering Network.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Y-Serve | EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life/yserve · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Y-Serve Community Volunteering Network”
      Y-Serve is a campus volunteering network.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumRequired of all students (Each student must take one community learning course as part of the core curriculum.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Serve and Lead | EMUemu.edu/service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each student needs to take one community learning course as part”
      Each student must take one community learning course as part of the core.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsMany each year (Y-Serve plans service trips during fall and spring break; several groups travel each spring break. The 'required' value here means many trips each year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Serve and Lead | EMUemu.edu/service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Y-Serve plans regular service trips during fall and spring break.”
      Y-Serve runs regular service trips during fall and spring break.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceMany (Y-Serve has worked with Jubilee Partners, Serving with Appalachian Peoples (SWAP), Casa Alterna and Habitat for Humanity; local church ministries are also listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Serve and Lead | EMUemu.edu/service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “In the past they have worked”
      Y-Serve has worked with Jubilee Partners, SWAP, Casa Alterna and Habitat for Humanity.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome (Campus organizations serve locally and globally; the global programs are through campus groups.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Serve and Lead | EMUemu.edu/service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “to serve locally and globally through campus organizations at EMU.”
      Students can serve locally and globally through campus organizations.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Y-Serve | EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life/yserve · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Being the hands and feet of Jesus”
      Y-Serve's service is framed as serving others in the spirit of Jesus.

Strengths

  • Campus worship in Martin Chapel and student-led Celebration worship are both regular.
    Sources (1)
    1. Worship at EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life/worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Campus worship is held in Martin Chapel every other Wednesday 10:15-11:05 a.m.”
      Campus worship is held in Martin Chapel every other Wednesday, 10:15 to 11:05 a.m.
      “Celebration is a student-led Christian worship service held every other Sunday evening at 7 p.m.”
      Celebration student worship meets every other Sunday evening at 7 p.m. in Old Common Grounds.
  • Each student must complete a community learning course, and Y-Serve runs service trips during fall and spring break.
    Sources (1)
    1. Serve and Lead | EMUemu.edu/service · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each student needs to take one community learning course as part”
      Each student must take one community learning course as part of the core.
      “Y-Serve plans regular service trips during fall and spring break.”
      Y-Serve runs regular service trips during fall and spring break.
  • The Office of Faith and Spiritual Life publishes a directory of local congregations for students.
    Sources (1)
    1. Harrisonburg Area Congregations and Faith Communitiesemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life/directory · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “This directory assists members of the EMU campus community in finding a congregation or faith community.”
      The university publishes a directory of local congregations to help students find a church.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Office of Faith and Spiritual Life, Eastern Mennonite University

  • Facilities: Martin Chapel, Old Common Grounds (University Commons)

Source: emu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, emu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Faith and Spiritual Life at EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “The Office of Faith and Spiritual Life helps you to explore your faith, no matter”
    The Office of Faith and Spiritual Life supports students' faith and spiritual life.
  2. Worship at EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life/worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Contact University Chaplain Brian Martin Burkholder at brian.burkholder@emu.edu or (540)432-4115.”
    The University Chaplain is Brian Martin Burkholder, with contact details.

Christian clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 0 off campus, 2 location not published

Faith formation 3

  • Campus WorshipOn campus
    Every other Wednesday, 10:15 to 11:05 a.m.
    Campus worship in Martin Chapel, shaped by Anabaptist and ecumenical Christian perspectives.
    emu.edu
  • CelebrationOn campus
    Every other Sunday, 7 p.m.
    Student-led Christian worship open to everyone.
    emu.edu
  • Hymn singsOn campus
    Twice monthly
    Student song leaders offer hymn sings in Martin Chapel.
    emu.edu

Clubs and groups 1

  • Small groups and Bible studies
    Organized for encouragement, accountability, support and discipleship.
    emu.edu

Service 1

  • Y-Serve
    EMU's oldest student club, offering volunteer service locally and beyond, with service trips during fall and spring break.
    emu.edu, emu.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

  • Wednesday10:15 AM–11:05 AMMartin Chapel · Campus worship, every other Wednesday during the semester.

Worship night 1

  • Sunday7:00 PMOld Common Grounds, University Commons (UC 177) · Celebration student worship, every other Sunday evening.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Worship at EMUemu.edu/studentlife/spiritual-life/worship · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Campus worship is held in Martin Chapel every other Wednesday 10:15-11:05 a.m.”
    Campus worship is held in Martin Chapel every other Wednesday, 10:15 to 11:05 a.m.
    “Celebration is a student-led Christian worship service held every other Sunday evening at 7 p.m.”
    Celebration student worship meets every other Sunday evening at 7 p.m. in Old Common Grounds.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average paid by families who received aid, by income. Families who get no aid pay the full cost of attendance: $56,756 a year.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000About $23,000
$30,001–$48,000About $20,000
$48,001–$75,000About $20,000
$75,001–$110,000About $28,000
Over $110,000About $29,000

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
863
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 44% · Women 56%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
32%
First-year students from another state
IPEDS, fall 2023
28%
Total students1,292
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
About $25,000
Cost of attendance (per year)$56,756
Median federal debt at graduation$24,813
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
67%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
42%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
44%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
78%
First-year retention76%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$54,869
Admission rate100%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
$25
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $1,057 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants33%

Value index: 60 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Nursing$81,610
Liberal arts$53,229

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Broadcasting, Business administration, Chemistry, Clinical laboratory science, Communication studies, Computer science, Data Analytics, Economics, Engineering (general), English, Film and video, Fine arts, Global studies, History, Human resources, International business, Kinesiology and exercise science, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Natural resources and conservation, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Political science, Psychology, Public health, Religious studies, Romance languages, Secondary education, Social sciences, Social work, Sociology, Theatre, Theology, Writing and rhetoric.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Health professions28%
Business25%
Liberal arts and general studies8%
Psychology5%
Computer and information sciences4%

Campus facts

SettingCity
Part-time undergraduates3%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older5%
On-campus room and board (per year)$13,170
SportsNCAA Division III · Old Dominion Athletic Conference
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member9 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability officeAbout 8%IPEDS, 2023–24
Disability servicesVisit the office’s pageThe college’s own page
Faculty who are full-time96%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$39,224IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 78% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceCharlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO)About 33 miles away · about 1 hour 15 minutes by car
Nearest major airportWashington Dulles International Airport (IAD)About 83 miles away
Town population51,392Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreWashingtonAbout 105 miles away · about 2 hours 35 minutes by car
Typical weather32°F in January · 75°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Dale Enterprise, VA, about 3 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). None of this changes the faith grades.

Questions families ask

Is Eastern Mennonite University a Christian college?
Yes. Eastern Mennonite University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Mennonite Church USA.
What is Eastern Mennonite University’s Compass Score?
Compass grade B-: Good. It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Eastern Mennonite University?
Chapel is listed at Martin Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 232043
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (medium programs)
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Mennonite Church
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

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