Emerson vs. Caldwell University

Comparable Facts

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

Emerson College is larger than Caldwell University based on total student enrollment (5,263 students vs. 2,005 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Emerson College is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Caldwell University is in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Emerson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Emerson College 14:1; Caldwell University 12:1.

Emerson vs. Caldwell University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emerson or Caldwell University? 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 Caldwell University than Emerson ($21,875 vs. $53,432).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Caldwell University are 32.2% lower than at Emerson College ($14,188 vs. $20,920).
• Emerson College is 39.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caldwell University (about $16,208 more per year; $57,056.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.7% higher at Emerson than at Caldwell University (about $16,208 more per year; $57,056.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Caldwell University than at Emerson College (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Caldwell University students is 19.8% larger than aid received by Emerson College students ($32,340 vs. $26,997).

Emerson vs. Caldwell University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Emerson or Caldwell University? 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 Caldwell University and Emerson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Emerson College (1350) is 100 points higher than at Caldwell University (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 1270/1420; Caldwell University 1130/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emerson - Test optional; Caldwell University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emerson Feb 20, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Emerson students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Caldwell University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than Emerson (51.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Emerson vs. 8.5% at Caldwell University.

Emerson vs. Caldwell University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emerson and Caldwell University? 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).

• Emerson College's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Emerson College earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Emerson College graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Caldwell University graduates ($23,500 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Emerson graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Caldwell University graduates ($242 vs. $266).
• More Emerson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 50%)

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.