Emerson vs. Roger Williams University

Comparable Facts

Compare Emerson College in Boston, MA with Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Emerson College is larger than Roger Williams University based on total student enrollment (5,263 students vs. 4,350 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Emerson vs. Roger Williams University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emerson or Roger Williams 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 Roger Williams University than Emerson ($38,779 vs. $53,432).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Roger Williams University are 18.2% lower than at Emerson College ($17,112 vs. $20,920).
• Emerson College is 28.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Roger Williams University (about $12,638 more per year; $57,056.00 vs. $44,418.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.5% higher at Emerson than at Roger Williams University (about $12,638 more per year; $57,056.00 vs. $44,418.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Roger Williams University than at Emerson College (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Emerson College students is 16.4% larger than aid received by Roger Williams University students ($26,997 vs. $23,192).

Emerson vs. Roger Williams University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Emerson College (1350) is 120 points higher than at Roger Williams University (1230).
• Incoming Emerson students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Roger Williams University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 1270/1420; Roger Williams University 1140/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 29/32; Roger Williams University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emerson - Test optional; Roger Williams University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emerson Feb 20, 2027; Roger Williams University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Emerson students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Roger Williams University (3.43).
• Roger Williams University has a higher acceptance rate (87.7%) than Emerson (51.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Emerson vs. 13% at Roger Williams University.

Emerson vs. Roger Williams University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emerson and Roger Williams 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 Roger Williams University's (59%).
• Graduates from Roger Williams University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Emerson graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 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 Roger Williams University graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Emerson graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roger Williams University graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More Roger Williams 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.