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Colleges / MA / Boston
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Emerson College

Private nonprofit Boston, MA · Urban · New England · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
78%
Graduation Rate
$62,832
Earnings (10yr)
$49,180
Net Price
51%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Emerson College, with an enrollment of about 3,870 students, is an ideal choice for those passionate about the arts and communication. If you’re drawn to areas like Visual and Performing Arts, Communications, or even Business and Marketing, you’ll find a community that shares your interests and helps you hone your craft. The acceptance rate of 51% means that while it's competitive, there’s still a good chance for students from diverse backgrounds to join.

Looking ahead to life after graduation, the reality is promising. Graduates can expect to earn around $62,832 within a decade of finishing their degree. This level of income reflects the career-focused education students receive, preparing many to advance in their fields. While we don’t have specific mobility rates, it’s clear that a degree from Emerson can lead to solid opportunities, especially for those who take full advantage of the college’s connections and resources.

When we consider the financial aspect, the net price after aid stands at about $49,180, which can be a significant factor for many families. With a median debt of $23,000, graduates leave with a manageable financial load. Students who thrive here are often those who are creative, driven, and ready to engage deeply with their studies and the vibrant community in Boston.

Rankings

How Emerson Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation78%Earnings 10yr$63KNet Price$49KRetention87%Median Debt$23KPell Grant Rate16%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$33K$0-30K$33K$30-48K$42K$48-75K$57K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%392.4%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%2749.0%MOBILITY107.86%

Cost & Financial Aid

$57,056
In-State Tuition
$57,056
Out-of-State
$49,180
Avg Net Price
$23,000
Median Debt
16%
Pell Grant Rate
43%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$32,650
Family Income $0–$30K
$32,621
Family Income $30K–$48K
$41,927
Family Income $48K–$75K
$57,288
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$42,799
6 Years After Entry
$53,113
8 Years
$62,832
10 Years
0.37x
Debt-to-Earnings
68%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$42,799 6yr $53,113 8yr $62,832 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

107.86%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
2749.0%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
392.4%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$120,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.90
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
12.8%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 51%
Retention Rate 87%
SAT Average 1358
ACT Midpoint 30
SAT Range 1270–1420
ACT Range 29–32
Full-Time Faculty 32%
Faculty Salary (mo) $11,853
Diversity Index 0.65
First-Gen Students 13%

Top Programs

Visual & Performing Arts 57%
Communications 16%
English & Literature 11%
Business & Marketing 11%
Education 1%
Health Professions 1%