Emerson College
About Emerson College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Emerson College is a private college in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on communication, the arts, and liberal arts. It is known for its programs in film, journalism, theater, and marketing communication, and its campus is in the heart of Boston's Theater District.
Founded
1880
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Students
5,225
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
51.3%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
77.1%
Near national average
Tuition
$57,056
Per year
Avg Net Price
$49,180
After financial aid
SAT Average
1358
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$62,832
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
51.3 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 3
Regular
Jan 16
Emerson College accepts 51.3% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1358/ 1600
ACT Scores
30/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
77.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
87.4%
4-Year Grad
76%
6-Year Grad
79%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
32.1%
$/Student
$13.0K
Class Size
Medium
76% graduate in 4 years, and 87.4% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$57,056
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$20,920
Books & Supplies
$1,250
Total Cost of Attendance
$80,399
After Financial Aid
$49,180
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$32,650
Receive Grants
15.5%
Take Loans
43%
The total cost of attendance runs about $80,399/yr, including $20,920 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $49,180.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Emerson College fund their education.
While in School
15.5%
Get Grants
Free money
43%
Take Loans
Must repay
$93,112
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$244/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $23,000 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Emerson College.
Gender
65.7%
Female
34%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,870
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,355
Graduates
13.2%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 66% of the student body. 15% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
3,870
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Emerson College fields 8 varsity teams with 224 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
NEWMAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
224
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
58% / 42%
129
Men
95
Women
7
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Emerson Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$62,832
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Film/Video and Photographic Arts
$27K
298 grads
1yr Earnings
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
$20K
102 grads
1yr Earnings
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
$33K
92 grads
1yr Earnings
Journalism
$40K
68 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
—
50 grads
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
$29K
44 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $43K at six years, $46K at eight, and $63K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Emerson College
What is the acceptance rate at Emerson College?▾
How much does Emerson College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Emerson College?▾
How much do Emerson College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.