At $46,766/yr net price, Emerson College graduates earn $62,832/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,832/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $46,766 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $187,064 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,832/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,832/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 79.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $31,412/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $34,742/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $39,297/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $43,628/yr |
| $110,001+ | $55,833/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
79.3% of students at Emerson College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 21% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Emerson College delivers below-average financial returns despite its strong reputation in communications and media. With a net price of $46,766 and median 10-year earnings of $62,832, you're looking at a challenging payback period that makes this school a risky investment for most students.
The earnings data reveals a troubling reality: even Emerson's highest-paying programs barely justify the cost. Public relations and business communications top out around $57,318, while the popular Communication and Media Studies program delivers just $48,432 in median earnings. Communication disorders stands out as particularly problematic, with graduates earning $56,776 while carrying $54,435 in debt.
Your financial risk at Emerson is compounded by limited aid availability. Only 15% of students receive institutional aid, meaning most families pay close to sticker price. The relatively low median debt of $23,000 suggests many students rely on family funding rather than loans, making this school primarily accessible to higher-income families.
Emerson makes financial sense if you have family wealth to cover most costs without borrowing, or if you're targeting specific high-earning niches within communications where the Boston market and alumni network provide clear advantages. The school's location gives access to media markets, but regional opportunities don't offset the high costs for typical graduates.
Skip Emerson if you need significant financial aid or plan to finance your education through loans. The combination of high costs, limited aid, and modest graduate earnings creates a financial burden that most communications careers cannot support. Your money delivers better returns at state schools or private colleges with stronger aid programs.