Emerson College

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · 4-year

Emerson College has a 47.5% acceptance rate. Emerson College is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Boston, MA, with a median SAT of 1340 and a median ACT of 31. The average net price is $49,180 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

47.5%

11,092 applicants

SAT Median

1340

Combined score

ACT Median

31

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$49,180

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Emerson College

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Emerson College (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)125013401420
ACT (composite, 1–36)303133

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.8%

Retention Rate

87.4%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

3,870

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Emerson College:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$32,650
$30,001 – $48,000$32,621
$48,001 – $75,000$41,927
$75,001 – $110,000$46,252
$110,000+$57,288

Top Majors at Emerson College

MajorDegrees Awarded
Visual & Performing Arts595
Communication & Journalism170
English Language & Literature116
Business, Management & Marketing115
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies24
Education14
Health Professions10

Financial Aid at Emerson College

About Emerson College

Official website: https://www.emerson.edu/

Admissions: https://www.emerson.edu/admissions-aid

Frequently Asked Questions About Emerson College

What is the acceptance rate at Emerson College?

Emerson College has an acceptance rate of 48%. it received about 11,092 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1340; the average net price is $49,180 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Emerson College for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Emerson College?

Getting into Emerson College is moderately selective — it admits 48% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1340. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Emerson College for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Emerson College?

Admitted students at Emerson College typically have a median SAT around 1340 and a median ACT around 31. With a 48% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Emerson College is located in Boston, MA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Emerson College?

The average net price at Emerson College is $49,180 per year after grants and scholarships. about 81% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $26,447 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Emerson College?

Emerson College has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 87%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Emerson College against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Emerson College test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Emerson College is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1340. With a 48% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Emerson College's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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