Emerson vs. Drew University

Comparable Facts

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

Emerson College is larger than Drew University based on total student enrollment (5,263 students vs. 2,232 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Emerson College is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Drew University is in Madison, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Emerson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drew University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Emerson College 14:1; Drew University 11:1.

Emerson vs. Drew University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emerson or Drew 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 Drew University than Emerson ($28,425 vs. $53,432).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drew University are 15.7% lower than at Emerson College ($17,640 vs. $20,920).
• Emerson College is 21.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drew University (about $9,956 more per year; $57,056.00 vs. $47,100.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.1% higher at Emerson than at Drew University (about $9,956 more per year; $57,056.00 vs. $47,100.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drew University than at Emerson College (97% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drew University students is 36.3% larger than aid received by Emerson College students ($36,807 vs. $26,997).

Emerson vs. Drew University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Emerson or Drew University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Drew University and Emerson.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Emerson College (1350) is 130 points higher than at Drew University (1220).
• Incoming Emerson students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Drew University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Emerson College 1270/1420; Drew University 1103/1338.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Emerson College 29/32; Drew University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emerson - Test optional; Drew University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emerson Feb 20, 2027; Drew University Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Emerson students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Drew University (3.1).
• Drew University has a higher acceptance rate (67.8%) than Emerson (51.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Emerson vs. 10.7% at Drew University.

Emerson vs. Drew University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emerson and Drew University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Emerson College's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Drew University's (68%).
• Graduates from Drew University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than Emerson graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,500 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 Drew University graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Emerson graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drew University graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More Emerson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drew University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 70%)

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.