Emerson vs. Smith College

Comparable Facts

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

Emerson College is larger than Smith College based on total student enrollment (5,263 students vs. 2,857 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Emerson College is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Smith College is in Northampton, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Emerson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Smith College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Emerson College 14:1; Smith College 8:1.

Emerson vs. Smith College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emerson or Smith College? 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 Smith College than Emerson ($27,305 vs. $53,432).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Emerson College are 7.3% lower than at Smith College ($20,920 vs. $22,570).
• Smith College is 14.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Emerson (about $8,122 more per year; $65,178.00 vs. $57,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.2% higher at Smith College than at Emerson College (about $8,122 more per year; $65,178.00 vs. $57,056.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Emerson College than at Smith College (77% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Smith College students is 117.5% larger than aid received by Emerson College students ($58,725 vs. $26,997).

Emerson vs. Smith College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Emerson or Smith College? 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 Smith College and Emerson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Smith College (1480) is 130 points higher than at Emerson (1350).
• Incoming Smith College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Emerson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 1270/1420; Smith College 1420/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 29/32; Smith College 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emerson - Test optional; Smith College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emerson Feb 20, 2027; Smith College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Smith College students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Emerson (3.73).
• Emerson has a higher acceptance rate (51.3%) than Smith College (21%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Emerson vs. 35.4% at Smith College.

Emerson vs. Smith College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emerson and Smith College? 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).

• Smith College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Emerson College's (81%).
• Graduates from Emerson College earn a median of about $300 more per year than Smith College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Smith College graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Emerson graduates ($19,000 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Smith College graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Emerson graduates ($196 vs. $242).
• More Smith College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Emerson 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.