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42.8%Acceptance
$55,392Tuition
4,145Students
79%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$62,832Earnings
#21 in MassachusettsPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

Cost Details

In-State Tuition
$55,392
Out-of-State Tuition
$55,392
Average Net Price
$46,766
Students Receiving Financial Aid
15.0%
Room & Board (On Campus)
$20,310
Room & Board (Off Campus)
$16,650
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$76,902
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
$244/mo
Loan Repayment Rate
78.0%
Students Taking Federal Loans
46.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
15.0%

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Net price by family income bracket
Family Income Average Net Price
$0 – $30,000 $31,412
$30,001 – $48,000 $34,742
$48,001 – $75,000 $39,297
$75,001 – $110,000 $43,628
$110,001+ $55,833

Cost Estimator

Family Income
Residency
Housing

Cost Overview

Despite a sticker price approaching $77,000, most Emerson families pay less due to the college's generous aid packages. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $31,412 annually, while those from households making $110,000 or more face the steepest costs at $55,833 per year. The typical student graduates with $23,000 in debt, translating to monthly payments of $244. This burden feels manageable against median earnings of $62,832 ten years after graduation.

Only 15% of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting Emerson draws primarily from middle and upper-middle class families. The strongest financial advantage goes to low-income students, who benefit from substantial need-based aid that cuts total costs nearly in half. Students from wealthy families pay close to full price but gain access to Emerson's top media industry connections that justify the premium.

Official Net Price Calculator

Get a personalized cost estimate from Emerson College:

Visit Official Net Price Calculator

This links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.