Emerson vs. Simmons University

Comparable Facts

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

Emerson College is larger than Simmons University based on total student enrollment (5,263 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Emerson College is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Simmons University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Emerson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Emerson College 14:1; Simmons University 9:1.

Emerson vs. Simmons University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emerson or Simmons 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 Simmons University than Emerson ($28,691 vs. $53,432).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simmons University are 15.8% lower than at Emerson College ($17,618 vs. $20,920).
• Emerson College is 21.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $10,182 more per year; $57,056.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.7% higher at Emerson than at Simmons University (about $10,182 more per year; $57,056.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Emerson College (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simmons University students is 30.1% larger than aid received by Emerson College students ($35,123 vs. $26,997).

Emerson vs. Simmons University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Emerson College (1350) is 40 points higher than at Simmons University (1310).
• Incoming Emerson students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Simmons University (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 1270/1420; Simmons University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 29/32; Simmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emerson - Test optional; Simmons University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emerson Feb 20, 2027; Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Emerson (3.73).
• Simmons University has a higher acceptance rate (70%) than Emerson (51.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Emerson vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

Emerson vs. Simmons University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emerson and Simmons 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 Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from Simmons University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Emerson graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Emerson College graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Simmons University graduates ($23,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Emerson graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simmons University graduates ($242 vs. $268).
• More Emerson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simmons University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.