Emerson vs. Syracuse

Comparable Facts

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

Syracuse University is larger than Emerson based on total student enrollment (22,589 students vs. 5,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Emerson College is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Syracuse University is in Syracuse, NY (Midsize City setting).
• Emerson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Syracuse University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Emerson College 14:1; Syracuse University 15:1.

Emerson vs. Syracuse Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emerson or Syracuse? 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 Syracuse University than Emerson ($48,215 vs. $53,432).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Syracuse University are 8.3% lower than at Emerson College ($19,188 vs. $20,920).
• Syracuse University is 14.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Emerson (about $8,472 more per year; $65,528.00 vs. $57,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.8% higher at Syracuse than at Emerson College (about $8,472 more per year; $65,528.00 vs. $57,056.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Emerson College than at Syracuse University (77% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Syracuse University students is 34.9% larger than aid received by Emerson College students ($36,417 vs. $26,997).

Emerson vs. Syracuse Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Syracuse University (1360) is 10 points higher than at Emerson (1350).
• Incoming Emerson students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Syracuse (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 1270/1420; Syracuse University 1270/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 29/32; Syracuse University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emerson - Test optional; Syracuse - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emerson Feb 20, 2027; Syracuse Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Emerson students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Syracuse (3.69).
• Emerson has a higher acceptance rate (51.3%) than Syracuse (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Emerson vs. 18.8% at Syracuse.

Emerson vs. Syracuse Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emerson and Syracuse? 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 Syracuse University's (80%).
• Graduates from Syracuse University earn a median of about $16,700 more per year than Emerson graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,900 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 Syracuse graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Emerson graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Syracuse graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More Emerson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Syracuse 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.