Brandeis University vs. Emerson

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Emerson College in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Emerson College is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (5,263 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Emerson College is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Emerson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Emerson College 14:1.

Brandeis University vs. Emerson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Emerson? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Brandeis University than Emerson ($43,550 vs. $53,432).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brandeis University are 4.7% lower than at Emerson College ($19,944 vs. $20,920).
• Brandeis University is 19.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Emerson (about $11,024 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $57,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.3% higher at Brandeis University than at Emerson College (about $11,024 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $57,056.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Emerson College than at Brandeis University (77% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 58.7% larger than aid received by Emerson College students ($42,841 vs. $26,997).

Brandeis University vs. Emerson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brandeis University or Emerson? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Emerson and Brandeis University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 110 points higher than at Emerson (1350).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Emerson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Emerson College 1270/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Emerson College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Emerson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emerson Feb 20, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Emerson (3.73).
• Emerson has a higher acceptance rate (51.3%) than Brandeis University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 15.5% at Emerson.

Brandeis University vs. Emerson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Emerson? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Brandeis University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Emerson College's (81%).
• Graduates from Brandeis University earn a median of about $17,500 more per year than Emerson graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Emerson College graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Emerson graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Emerson students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.