Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 78.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 79.3%
- Retention Rate
- 87.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $62,832
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Corporate Communications. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $56,776 | $54,435 |
| Marketing. | Master | $56,641 | $41,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Master | $48,432 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $44,327 | $21,500 |
| Publishing. | Master | $43,426 | $44,360 |
| Journalism. | Master | $41,193 | |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $40,140 | $61,500 |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $38,953 | $23,610 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $23,719 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $35,600 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $33,993 | $41,000 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Bachelor | $32,264 | |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Bachelor | $32,021 | $23,776 |
Outcomes Overview
Emerson graduates earn a median of $62,832 ten years after graduation, while carrying $23,000 in debt. Monthly loan payments of $244 consume about 4.7% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's strong industry connections in entertainment and media help explain the 93% employment rate. Many alumni land jobs at major networks, production companies, and digital media firms where Emerson's Boston location provides networking advantages. Notable graduates like Jay Leno and Henry Winkler demonstrate the school's pipeline to high-profile entertainment careers. With reasonable debt loads and solid earning potential in creative fields, Emerson offers a strong return on investment for communications majors.