
Emerson College
A vibrant campus in the heart of Boston
Acceptance rate
51.3%
SAT (mid 50%)
1270–1420
Avg net price
$49,180
after aid
Testing
Optional
2027 cycle
Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the Emerson College admissions site.
Your chances
How hard is it to get in?
Emerson College admitted 51.3% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That means most students who apply get in. Your job is to meet the requirements and apply on time.
Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1270–1420 on the SAT and 29–32 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.
The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Emerson College actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.
What they value
Molded by Media, Driven by Storytelling
Our creative learning environment combines intellectual exploration with professional training and real-world experience, helping you and other ambitious artists and communicators from all backgrounds become a powerful force in fields that influence our culture, society, and future.
Emerson offers a liberal arts foundation deeply integrated with professional training in communication and the arts.
- School of Arts and Interdisciplinary Studiesacting, theatre education, applied theatre, stage design, musical theatre, comed
- School of Communicationcommunication studies, marketing communication, journalism, communication scienc
- School of Film, Television, and Media Artsfilm, television, media arts
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The essays
Here are the supplemental essay prompts.
The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.
We often use metaphors to help us understand our world and persuade others. Write about a metaphor you find powerful, and explore its potential to be helpful and/or harmful in your thinking.
Up to 600 words
Every prompt, with how to approach each →
Verified from emerson.edu.
Cost and aid
What will you actually pay?
The sticker price is about $80,399. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $49,180.
Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $62,832.
Verified from emerson.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.
Academics
These are the most popular majors.
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts39% of degrees
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft13% of degrees
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies12% of degrees
- Journalism9% of degrees
- Business/Commerce, General7% of degrees
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication6% of degrees
Campus life
Here’s the feel of the place.
“Pitch your daring idea in a communication class, then rehearse for the EVVY Awards, a Tuesday here.”
Discover a vibrant campus nestled in the heart of Boston, buzzing with creative energy and opportunities.
Quick answers
What do people ask about Emerson College?
- Is Emerson College test-optional?
- For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Emerson College is optional.
- How hard is it to get into Emerson College?
- Very hard. Emerson College admits 51.3% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1270 to 1420 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
- How much does Emerson College cost?
- The list price is about $80,399. After aid, families pay $49,180 on average.
- Is Emerson College worth it?
- Graduates earn a median of $62,832 ten years after enrolling. 78% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.
Launching soon
Ask Spike anything about Emerson College.
Spike answers from Emerson College’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.