Woodruff Scholars Program
We provide everything you need to grow: a merit-based scholarship,
exceptional programming and opportunities for growth,
and engagement with peers, faculty, and alumni.
Robert W. Woodruff Scholarship
In honor of the legacy of renowned businessman and philanthropist Robert W. Woodruff, the Woodruff Scholars Program invests in students poised to be the next generation of change-makers—the doers, dreamers, thinkers, and builders who are committed to serving their communities and their world.
To support our student leaders, the Robert W. Woodruff Scholarship includes full tuition, required fees, on-campus room and meals, as well as specialized advising, a substantial slate of programming, summer funding opportunities, and much more. The scholarship is renewable for up to a total of eight regular academic semesters (fall and spring) of undergraduate study.
The Woodruff Scholarship is awarded to incoming Emory College first years who are motivated to be agents of positive social change and demonstrate significant promise in developing the Scholars Qualities. Scholars can engage in any field of study and take a leading role in their student organizations, sports, music, research groups, and everything else Emory and Atlanta have to offer.
The Scholar Experience
Annual Events
Scholars Retreat
Each spring, all scholars gather at a beautiful resort with faculty and alumni to grow and reflect on their academic and professional skills.
Community Dinners
Twice a year the Scholars community comes together to reflect on their experiences as individuals and a community with faculty and staff.
Workshops
Series of themed workshops provide unique opportunities for scholars to connect with inspiring professionals across diverse fields.
Community Engagement
Scholar-Led Events
Student employees called Scholar Fellows organize events that provide scholars with new experiences in the broader Atlanta community.
Networking with Faculty & Alumni
Scholars build their network with faculty, alumni, peers, and graduate students through coffee chats, lunch and learns, and other scholar events.
Peer Mentoring
Incoming scholars are matched with a peer mentor with shared interests to help them acclimate to Emory and connect to the scholar community throughout their first year.
Supplemental Opportunities
Internships and Research
Scholars may apply for funding to support unpaid domestic or international internships, research project expenses, and qualifying conference travel.
Programs Abroad
Scholars are encouraged to explore global cultures through Emory Education Abroad programs with application-based funding from the Scholars Program.
Academic and Campus Benefits
Personalized Advising
Scholars receive individualized advising that focuses on the needs and challenges of high achieving students at Emory.
Priority Class Registration
Scholars receive priority registration. This allows you to craft your schedule for full exploration of the Emory curriculum.
On-Campus Housing
The program covers the cost of on-campus housing and allows you to choose your preferred residential community.
Specialized Scholarships
Alongside the standard Robert W. Woodruff Scholarship, the Scholars Program includes three focused Woodruff Scholarships with additional selection criteria, and in some cases, additional expectations for those scholars. Prior to 2025, the George W. Jenkins Scholarship was also a participating scholarship within the Emory Scholars Program.