Private nonprofit Institution

Emerson College — Boston, Massachusetts

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Annual Tuition $55,392

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 47.5%

Selective

Enrollment 4,145

Active Students

Avg. Salary $62,832

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Boston, Massachusetts

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Emerson College stands as a pillar of higher education in Boston, providing a robust academic foundation for 4,145 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Emerson College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Emerson College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Visual & Performing Arts

53.2%

Enrollment Share

Communications

17.9%

Enrollment Share

English

11.9%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

11.9%

Enrollment Share

Multi/Interdisciplinary

2.5%

Enrollment Share

Education

1.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Emerson College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Emerson College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best English College

The English program at Emerson College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Multi/Interdisciplinary College

The Multi/Interdisciplinary program at Emerson College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Emerson College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 47.5%

Difficulty Moderate

Emerson College maintains an acceptance rate of 47.5%, reflecting its status as a selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 33.4%

Women Enrollment 66.6%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 650 - 720

SAT Mathematics 600 - 690

ACT English 32 - 35

ACT Mathematics 26 - 30

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Emerson College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $55,392

Out-of-State Tuition $55,392

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 15%

Median Student Debt $23,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $55,392, graduates see a median starting salary of $62,832, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Massachusetts.

What salary can Emerson College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $62,832

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 79.3%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $46,766

Median Salary (6yr) $42,799

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Emerson College in Boston?

4,145 Students

Gender Comparison

33.4% Men

66.6% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

87.8%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.1%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

5.7%

Black

White

55.1%

Unknown

1.7%

Hispanic

11.1%

Two or More Races

4.8%

International

16.4%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 19

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First-Generation 13.2%

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Receive Pell Grant 32.3%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$80,699
Average Family Income	$118,339
Median Family Income	$93,112

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

46.2%

53.9%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Boston Campus Environment

Located at 120 Boylston Street, Emerson College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Massachusetts. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Emerson College compare?

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Common Questions about Emerson College

Is Emerson College a good college in Boston, Massachusetts?

Emerson College is a recognized institution in Boston with an enrollment of 4,145 students. It is accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education and offers a robust ROI for students in Massachusetts based on Department of Education data.

Is Emerson College worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Emerson College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $62,832. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Emerson College cost for Massachusetts residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Emerson College is approximately $55,392. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $55,392. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Emerson College after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Emerson College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 32.3% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Emerson College good for Visual & Performing Arts and Communications programs?

Emerson College is highly regarded for its Visual & Performing Arts and Communications programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Emerson College?

Graduates of Emerson College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Visual & Performing Arts. With a median salary of $62,832, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Emerson College?

Emerson College operates with a Selective policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Emerson College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Emerson College follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Emerson College graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Emerson College earn a median salary of $62,832 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Emerson College a good investment compared to other MA colleges?

Emerson College stands out as a high-value investment in Massachusetts. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Emerson College located and what is the campus like?

Emerson College is located at 120 Boylston Street in Boston, MA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 4,145 learners.

Who typically attends Emerson College in Boston, MA?

The student body at Emerson College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 13.2% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Massachusetts

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Emerson College with other leading institutions in Massachusetts across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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