Emerson College
The Vibe Check
Emerson pulses with creative energy, feeling more like a professional arts hub than a traditional college. It's a place where students are constantly creating—filming, writing, performing—and the urban campus buzzes with the ambition of future storytellers and media makers. You'll feel immersed in a community that lives and breathes the arts and communication.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Emerson is a specialized powerhouse for the arts, communication, and media, offering unparalleled hands-on learning from day one. The curriculum is intensely practical, with professors who are seasoned industry professionals. Students benefit from state-of-the-art production facilities and robust internship opportunities in the heart of Boston.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Boston
Boston offers an incredible blend of historic charm and youthful energy, with students frequenting the city's theaters, museums, and concert venues. You can explore the Freedom Trail, catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, or enjoy the vibrant food scene in neighborhoods like the North End and Cambridge. The city's public transit system makes it easy to access everything from beaches to mountains.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($62,832):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
Emerson's campus is located in the heart of Boston's Theater District, a generally safe and well-patrolled urban area. The college provides 24/7 campus security, and the campus is well-integrated into the city's public safety network.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Prime location in Boston's Theater District offers direct access to internships and the arts scene.
- ✓ Specialized focus on communication and the arts with industry-experienced faculty.
- ✓ High graduation and retention rates indicate strong student satisfaction and support.
- ✓ Extensive alumni network in media, entertainment, and the arts.
Cons
- ✗ High cost of tuition and living expenses in Boston.
- ✗ Limited program offerings outside of the arts and communication fields.
- ✗ The urban campus can feel small and some may find the specialized environment less diverse in academic thought.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Emerson College is nationally recognized as a premier institution for the arts, communication, and writing. It is particularly renowned for its film, television, and theater programs, as well as its departments of writing, literature, and publishing. The college's identity is deeply intertwined with its urban, professional focus on creative storytelling.
With an acceptance rate of 47.48%, Emerson is considered a moderately selective school. While not as exclusive as some Ivy League institutions, it has a competitive admissions process, especially for its specialized arts programs. Successful applicants typically present a strong academic record with an average SAT score around 1359, but the most critical components of the application are the creative portfolio, audition, or writing supplements.
Campus life at Emerson is intensely creative and project-oriented. The college's small, urban campus in Boston's Theater District fosters a tight-knit community where students are constantly collaborating on films, plays, and media projects. With an 87.8% retention rate, students are highly engaged. While there are no traditional Division I sports teams, student life is vibrant with numerous clubs, student-run media organizations, and easy access to Boston's cultural offerings.
For students pursuing a career in the creative industries, Emerson can be a worthwhile investment. The combination of specialized training, hands-on experience, and a powerful alumni network in major media hubs like Boston and New York provides a significant advantage. The 10-year median earnings of $62,832 and the high graduation rate of 78.2% suggest that graduates are successful in their fields, though the high net price means students should be strategic about financing their education.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 4,355
- In-State Tuition $55,392
- Zip Code 02116
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a sticker price over $55,000 and a high average net price, Emerson is a significant investment. However, the 10-year median earnings of $62,832 for graduates, particularly in competitive creative fields, can provide a strong return for those who leverage Emerson's network and hands-on training. The value is maximized for students who are highly focused and proactive in building their professional portfolio during college.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.