Emerson College is America’s only comprehensive college or university dedicated exclusively to the study and advancement of communication and arts in a liberal arts context. Since its beginning in 1880, Emerson has been a place for unique students who seek to put their thoughts into action while in school to better prepare to make their mark on the world. It offers distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs that consistently educate leaders and entrepreneurs in their fields. The campus is at the gateway of Boston’s Theatre District next to the historic Boston Common, and is close to numerous cultural centers, media outlets, and public transportation. It is home to approximately 4,000 full-time undergraduates in majors ranging from Communication Sciences and Disorders to Performing Arts to Film to Comedy to Creative Writing and more. Emerson also offers study and internship programs in Los Angeles and Washington D.C; a multitude of study abroad programs in places like the Netherlands, Taiwan, London, Beijing, Spain, and the Czech Republic; and course cross-registration with the Boston Pro Arts Consortium, allowing students to take classes for Emerson credit through other leading Boston area institutions.

Representatives

Amy Mitchell
Senior Associate Director of Admission
(774) 371-0215 amy_mitchell@emerson.edu

Details

Institution Type
Private 

Campus Setting
Urban

Closest Airport (Distance)
BOS (5 mi)

Enrollment (Undergrad / Total)
4,113 / 5,889

Average Class Size
18

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1

Student Population
(Out of State / Diverse / Intl)
75% / 45% / 13%

Athletics Division
Division III

Athletics League
NEWMAC

Mid-Range ACT / SAT
30–32 / 1280–1410

Mid-Range GPA
3.59–4.0

GPA Consideration (W or UW)
Admission: Unweighted
Scholarships: Unweighted

Applications / Admits (Admit Rate)
12,109 / 5,176 (43%)

Deposits
975

Applications Accepted
Common App
University-Specific App

Application Information

Test Optional? Yes

Demonstrated Interest? Sometimes

Rolling Admission? No

Admission Interview? Sometimes

Need-blind Admission? Yes

WUE Tuition Exchange? No

CA Specific Scholarships? No

Freshman App Deadlines
Early Decision I: Nov 1
Early Action: Nov 1
Early Decision II: January 3
Regular Decision: January 15

Transfer App Deadline
Fall: March 15
Spring: Nov 1

Merit-Based Scholarship Consideration is Evaluated From
The Admission Application

Merit-Based Scholarship Deadline for Freshmen
Two weeks after application for the Honors program

Merit-Based Scholarship Deadline for Transfers
Two weeks after application for the Honors program

Link to Scholarship Info
emerson.edu/departments/financial-aid/new-undergraduate/types-aid/scholarships-grants

Points of Pride

1. Emerson owns a castle in the Netherlands where students can study abroad. It’s called Kasteel Well and is located in the village of Well.

2. Emerson is not named after Ralph Waldo Emerson - it’s actually named after Charles Wesley Emerson. Charles was an orator, teacher, and preacher, and the founding father of the college.

3. The set from Will & Grace used to be located in Emerson’s Iwasaki Library. Alum Max Mutchnick, co-creator of the show, donated it to the college.