Emerson College

7/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Boston, MA
0 reviews

#20 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

5,263

Location Boston, Massachusetts
Website emerson.edu
Type Private 4 Year
Setting Large City

Best Colleges Rank

#208

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Situated in Boston's Theater District, Emerson College occupies a cluster of buildings along the eastern edge of Boston Common and the Public Garden. The private institution, founded in 1880 as a school of oratory, maintains its historic focus on communication and arts-related fields through its specialized programs in film, theater, journalism, communication disorders, and marketing communication. The campus integrates urban architecture with modern facilities, including the distinctive Tufte Performance and Production Center and the newly renovated Little Building residence hall. Emerson operates several theaters and performance venues in the downtown area, including the historic Cutler Majestic Theatre and the Paramount Center, where students gain hands-on experience in the arts and entertainment industries. The college maintains a selective admission process and requires most students to live on campus for their first three years, while also operating satellite programs in Los Angeles and the Netherlands for entertainment industry training and international education.

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Ratings

Emerson is rated within the top 31% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10.

Overall Rating

7 out of 10
Academics

9 out of 10
Resources

7 out of 10
Outcomes

7 out of 10
Value

2 out of 10

Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for Emerson College within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

Best Colleges in the U.S.

#208
Best Private Colleges in the U.S.

#158
Best Colleges in Massachusetts

#21
Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts

#20
Best Value Colleges in the U.S.

#565
Best Value Colleges in Massachusetts

#39

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Very High

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1270/1420
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 29/32
GPA 3.73

Acceptance Rate

51.3%

Applications Due Feb 20, 2027
Enrollment Rate 15.5%
Application Fee $65

Applicant Competition Average

Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$57,056

Costs for Emerson College
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$57,056
Books and Supplies		$1,250
Other Fees		$1,024
Room and Board		$20,920
Budget for Other Expenses		$3,443
Total One Year Cost		$83,693

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$49,200 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

81% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Emerson College are Communication, Visual and Performing Arts, and English and Literature. 33% of students major in Communication, 29% in Visual and Performing Arts, and 19% in English and Literature.