PrivateUrbanEmerson College
Emerson
Boston, Massachusetts 02116-4624
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Private urban college in Boston
Emerson College is a private urban institution in Boston, Massachusetts. The school is accessible to a wide range of students, with an average SAT of 1359.
A mid-sized campus of 4.1K undergraduates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
79% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $62,832 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $46,766.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •Classes were held at Pemberton Square in Boston, where ten students enrolled in the conservatory's first class.
- •In 1890, the name changed again to Emerson College of Oratory and was later shortened to Emerson College in 1939.
- •Early expansion and growth The college expanded and rented space at 36 Bromfield Street, and moved to Odd Fellows Hall on Berkeley and Tremont Streets in the South End of Boston.
Source: Wikipedia
Notable Alumni
Jay Leno
Comedian and former host of The Tonight Show
Henry Winkler
Emmy Award-winning actor (Happy Days, Barry)
Jennifer Coolidge
Emmy Award-winning actress (The White Lotus, Legally Blonde)
Bill Burr
Comedian and actor
Norman Lear
Television producer (All in the Family, The Jeffersons)
Denis Leary
Actor, comedian, and co-creator of Rescue Me
Bobbi Brown
Makeup artist and entrepreneur, founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1359
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 1
Decision by December 15
Early Action
November 1
Decision by December 15
Regular Decision
January 5
Decision by April 1
Reply by May 1
SAT/ACT optional permanently.
Emerson-specific supplemental essay required.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
March 15
Spring Transfer
November 1
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Need-blind for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
53.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.1%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,000
Academics
View all 17 majors›
Programs (25)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
After Graduation
Top Employers
Top Graduate Schools
Top Industries
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
88%
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
31
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average + large city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Amtrak
South Station and Back Bay Station both within 10 minutes.
Walkability
Urban campus in the heart of downtown Boston; highly walkable to all major attractions.
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Boston Commonwalkable
America's oldest public park, adjacent to campus.
Boston Public Gardenwalkable
Victorian botanical garden with swan boats.
Theatre Districtwalkable
Broadway-style shows and performances within walking distance.
Newbury Streetwalkable
Shopping, dining, and galleries.
Chinatownwalkable
Authentic Asian restaurants and cultural experiences.
Days out near Boston
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Boston, from real bookable tour times.
- Merrimack College · Southern New Hampshire UniversityTwo states46 days
- Gordon College · Northeastern UniversityBig and small44 days
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst CollegeBig and small24 days