Emerson vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

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

Worcester State University is larger than Emerson based on total student enrollment (5,745 students vs. 5,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Emerson College is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Worcester State University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Emerson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Emerson College 14:1; Worcester State University 16:1.

Emerson vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emerson or Worcester State 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 Worcester State University than Emerson ($12,778 vs. $53,432).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 31.6% lower than at Emerson College ($14,307 vs. $20,920).
• Emerson College is 384.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $45,270 more per year; $57,056.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 219.4% higher at Emerson than at Worcester State University (about $39,190 more per year; $57,056.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Worcester State University than at Emerson College (80% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Emerson College students is 185.3% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($26,997 vs. $9,464).

Emerson vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Emerson College (1350) is 200 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 1270/1420; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emerson College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emerson - Test optional; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emerson Feb 20, 2027; Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Emerson students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Emerson (51.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Emerson vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

Emerson vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emerson and Worcester State 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 Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates of Emerson College and Worcester State University have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $49,200), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Emerson graduates ($20,000 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Emerson graduates ($206 vs. $242).
• More Emerson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 66%)

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.