Emerson vs. Pace University

Comparable Facts

Compare Emerson College in Boston, MA with Pace University in New York, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pace University is larger than Emerson based on total student enrollment (13,634 students vs. 5,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Emerson vs. Pace University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emerson or Pace 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 Pace University than Emerson ($34,791 vs. $53,432).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Emerson College are 7.2% lower than at Pace University ($20,920 vs. $22,553).
• Emerson College is 7.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Pace University (about $3,766 more per year; $57,056.00 vs. $53,290.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.1% higher at Emerson than at Pace University (about $3,766 more per year; $57,056.00 vs. $53,290.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pace University than at Emerson College (99% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pace University students is 30.1% larger than aid received by Emerson College students ($35,136 vs. $26,997).

Emerson vs. Pace University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Emerson College (1350) is 90 points higher than at Pace University (1260).
• Incoming Emerson students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Pace University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 1270/1420; Pace University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 29/32; Pace University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emerson - Test optional; Pace University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emerson Feb 20, 2027; Pace University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Emerson students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Pace University (3.4).
• Pace University has a higher acceptance rate (75.9%) than Emerson (51.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Emerson vs. 8.1% at Pace University.

Emerson vs. Pace University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emerson and Pace 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 Pace University's (53%).
• Graduates from Pace University earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than Emerson graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,100 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Emerson College graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Pace University graduates ($23,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Emerson graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pace University graduates ($242 vs. $258).
• More Emerson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pace University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 65%)

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.