Emerson vs. Simmons University

Emerson College and Simmons University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Emerson College
Simmons University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Emerson (51.3% admitted vs 70%). Typical SAT 1350 vs 1310.
  • Cheaper after aid: Simmons University. Average net price is $28,691 vs $53,432 at Emerson.
  • Graduation: Emerson 81% vs Simmons University 69%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Emerson $49,200 vs Simmons University $52,800 (median).
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Key differences

Emerson College Simmons University
Acceptance rate
Emerson more selective
Emerson51.3%
Simmons University70%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Emerson higher
Emerson1270-1420
Simmons University1220-1390
Average net price
Simmons University $24,741 less
Emerson$53,432
Simmons University$28,691
In-state tuition
Simmons University $10,182 less
Emerson$57,056
Simmons University$46,874
Out-of-state tuition
Simmons University $10,182 less
Emerson$57,056
Simmons University$46,874
Graduation rate
Emerson +12 pts
Emerson81%
Simmons University69%
Median earnings (10 years)
Simmons University +$3,600
Emerson$49,200
Simmons University$52,800

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • Emerson 10,378
  • Simmons University 4,773
  • Admitted
  • Emerson 5,325
  • Simmons University 3,340
  • Acceptance rate
  • Emerson 51.3%
  • Simmons University 70%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Emerson 15.5%
  • Simmons University 10.8%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Emerson 1350
  • Simmons University 1310
  • Typical ACT score
  • Emerson 30
  • Simmons University 30
  • Average high school GPA
  • Emerson 3.73
  • Simmons University 3.87
  • Typical high school grades
  • Emerson A-
  • Simmons University A
  • Admissions standards
  • Emerson Very High
  • Simmons University Very High
  • Applicant competition
  • Emerson Low
  • Simmons University Low
  • SAT range
  • Emerson 1270-1420
  • Simmons University 1220-1390
  • ACT range
  • Emerson 29-32
  • Simmons University 26-34
  • Submit test scores
  • Emerson Test optional
  • Simmons University Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Emerson Feb 20, 2027
  • Simmons University Feb 1, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Emerson $57,056
  • Simmons University $46,874
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Emerson $57,056
  • Simmons University $46,874
  • Room & board
  • Emerson $20,920
  • Simmons University $17,618
  • Average net price
  • Emerson $53,432
  • Simmons University $28,691
  • Average grant aid
  • Emerson $26,997
  • Simmons University $35,123
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Emerson 77%
  • Simmons University 100%
  • Graduation rate
  • Emerson 81%
  • Simmons University 69%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Emerson $49,200
  • Simmons University $52,800
  • Making student loan payments
  • Emerson 80%
  • Simmons University 80%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Emerson $23,500
  • Simmons University $26,000
  • Median loan payment
  • Emerson $242
  • Simmons University $268
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Emerson 14:1
  • Simmons University 9:1
  • Popular majors
  • Emerson
    • Communication (33%)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (29%)
    • English and Literature (19%)
    • Business (14%)
    • Health Professions (2%)
  • Simmons University
    • Health Professions (37%)
    • Social Sciences (9%)
    • Psychology (9%)
    • Communication (9%)
    • Business (6%)
  • Location
  • Emerson Boston, MA
  • Simmons University Boston, MA
  • Setting
  • Emerson Large City
  • Simmons University Large City
  • Total enrollment
  • Emerson 5,263
  • Simmons University 4,666
  • Type
  • Emerson Private 4 Year
  • Simmons University Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Emerson #208
  • Simmons University #111

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 tables 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.

Cost details

  • 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).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 21.7% higher at Emerson than at Simmons University (about $10,182 more per year; $57,056 vs. $46,874).
  • 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).

Admissions details

  • Incoming Emerson students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 30) as students at Simmons University (30).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Emerson and Simmons University.
  • Typical fall application deadline: Emerson Feb 20, 2027; Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Simmons University average a 3.87 high school GPA, 0.14 higher than at Emerson (3.73).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Emerson vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

Loans and repayment

  • 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, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

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