Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Online | emerson.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus 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.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Emerson is rated within the top 31% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Emerson College within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#215 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#165 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#21 in Best Colleges in Massachusetts
#20 in Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts
#584 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#38 in Best Value Colleges in Massachusetts
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1250/1410 |
| ACT | 30/33 |
| GPA | 3.73 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Feb 20, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $992 |
| Room and Board | $20,310 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,710 |
| Total One Year Cost | $80,612 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Communication | 33% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 29% |
| English and Literature | 19% |
| Business | 14% |
| Health Professions | 2% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Emerson College.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=165662 IPEDS survey data for Emerson College.
Current students may use the Emerson College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025