Overview
Emerson College is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Boston, Massachusetts. The school accepts 42.8% of applicants and enrolls 4,145 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 42.8%
- Average SAT
- 1,340
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,250–1,430
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 31
- Total Enrollment
- 4,145
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Emerson College wants to see your creative portfolio alongside your academic credentials, making it different from most liberal arts schools. Submit your strongest creative work through the SlideRoom portfolio platform, whether that's film reels, writing samples, theatrical performances, or multimedia projects that showcase your storytelling abilities.
Your essays should reference specific Emerson resources like the Ploughshares literary magazine, WERS 88.9 FM radio station, or EIV student television network. Mentioning how you plan to contribute to these established media outlets shows you understand what makes Emerson's hands-on approach distinctive. The college operates its own television studio, radio station, and multiple student publications, giving you professional-grade equipment from day one.
Apply early action if Emerson is your top choice, as the deadline is November 1st and you'll hear back by December 15th. The application requires the Common Application plus Emerson's creative supplement, where you choose from prompts that ask you to analyze media, discuss ethical dilemmas in communication, or reflect on storytelling techniques.
Boston's media environment becomes your extended classroom, with internship opportunities at major networks, newspapers, and production companies within walking distance. Students regularly work at organizations like The Boston Globe, WCVB-TV, and local theater companies while taking classes.
The campus sits in Boston's Theater District, creating an environment where aspiring journalists interview classmates who are future filmmakers and marketing majors collaborate with theater students. This cross-pollination of creative fields defines daily life at Emerson. Your dorm conversations will center around film critiques, script readings, and media ethics rather than traditional college topics.
You'll fit well here if you prefer project-based learning over lecture halls and want to graduate with a professional portfolio, not just a diploma. Students tend to be opinionated about media, politically engaged, and comfortable being the center of attention. The social atmosphere revolves around student productions, film screenings, and media industry networking events rather than traditional college sports or Greek life.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $46,766/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $55,392
- Students Receiving Aid
- 15%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 79.3%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $62,832/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 87.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Emerson College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Emerson College is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If your scores strengthen your application, you should submit them.
What are the application deadlines for Emerson College?
Emerson College offers Early Action with a November 1 deadline and Regular Decision with a January 15 deadline. Early Action is non-binding and gives you an admissions decision earlier.
How many transfer credits does Emerson College accept?
Emerson College accepts up to 64 transfer credits from four-year institutions and up to 32 credits from two-year colleges. You must complete at least 64 credits at Emerson to earn your degree.
What makes Emerson College different from other communications schools?
Emerson focuses exclusively on communication and the arts, with no traditional liberal arts majors. The college requires all students to complete hands-on projects and internships in their field.