Emerson College Enrollment Statistics: A Comprehensive Overview

Emerson College, a private institution founded in 1880, is known for its specialization in arts and communication programs grounded in liberal arts studies. This article delves into various aspects of Emerson College's enrollment statistics, providing a detailed analysis of admissions, costs, student demographics, and graduation rates.

Admissions Overview

Emerson College's admissions process is selective.

Acceptance Rate

In 2023, Emerson College had an acceptance rate of 47.5%, with 5,267 students being admitted out of 11,092 applicants. This is higher than the acceptance rate of 42.7% in 2022. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of applicants declined by 8.4%, while admissions grew by 1.76%.

SAT Scores

In 2023, 20% of enrolled first-time students submitted SAT scores with their applications.

Application Requirements

Emerson College requires a high school GPA and recommends college prep courses. SAT/ACT scores are considered if submitted, as the college has a test-optional admissions policy. Recommendations are also recommended. The regular application deadline is January 17.

Read also: Emerson College Expenses

Enrollment Statistics

In 2023, Emerson College had a total enrollment of 5,670 students.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment

The full-time enrollment at Emerson College is 5,122 students, while the part-time enrollment is 548. This means that 90.3% of students enrolled at Emerson College are enrolled full-time, compared with 68.2% at similar Masters Colleges and Universities.

Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity

The enrolled student population at Emerson College is diverse:

54.5% White
12.9% Hispanic or Latino
5.78% Black or African American
5.41% Asian
4.57% Two or More Races
0.106% American Indian or Alaska Native
0.0529% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders

Enrollment by Gender

The female to male ratio is 2.55 to 1 which means that majority of population is on female students. 705 students enrolled in online degree program exclusively and the number of online students has increased by 3,912.50% since 2015.

Geographic Diversity

Emerson ranks 99 out of 2,183 when it comes to geographic diversity. A significant portion of students come from out of state, with 78.15% originating from outside of Massachusetts. Additionally, 7.6% of the student body comes from out of the country.

Read also: Discover Emerson College

Age Diversity

Emerson College demonstrates a good ability to attract students of all ages, with a student age diversity score of 60.85 out of 100.

Costs and Financial Aid

Tuition Costs

In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Emerson College is $53,824, which is $29,249 more than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities ($24,575). The cost of tuition at Emerson College was $53,824.

Average Net Price

In 2023, Emerson College had an average net price - the price paid after factoring in grants and loans - of $50,703. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price of Emerson College grew by 1.42%.

Other Student Expenses

The average yearly cost of room and board at Emerson College was $18,089 in 2023. The cost of room and board increased by 1.07% between 2022 and 2023. During the same period, the average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,200. The cost of books and supplies did not change during the same period.

Financial Aid

In 2023, 77% of undergraduate students attending Emerson College received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 47% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans. 77% of undergraduate students at Emerson College received financial aid through grants or loans in 2023. This represents a growth of 1.32% with respect to 2022, when 76% of undergraduate students received financial aid.

Student Loan Default Rate

In 2021, the default rate for borrower's at Emerson College was 0%, which represents 0 out of the 1035 total borrowers.

Graduation and Retention Rates

Graduation Rate

The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Emerson College is Male and Black or African American (83.3% graduation rate).

Time to Complete

In 2023, 76% of students graduating from Emerson College completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 79% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 80% within 200%.

Retention Rate

The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Emerson College was 88%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Masters Colleges and Universities (74%), Emerson College had a retention rate higher than its peers.

Graduates

In 2023, 583 more women than men received degrees from Emerson College. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients at Emerson College is white (727 degrees awarded). There were 3.73 times more white recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, hispanic or latino (195 degrees).

Majors Awarded

In 2023, the most common bachelors degree concentration at Emerson College was Cinematography & Film Production with 298 degrees awarded. The most specialized majors across all degree types at Emerson College, meaning they have significantly more degrees awarded in that concentration than the national average across all institutions, are English (159 degrees awarded), Visual & Performing Arts (423 degrees), and Communications (221 degrees).

Sex Breakdown for Common Majors

In 2023, 358 degrees were awarded to men at Emerson College, which is 0.38 times less than the number of degrees awarded to females (941).

Race & Ethnicity by Share

The most common race/ethnicity at Emerson College is white (727 degrees awarded). There were 3.73 times more white recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, hispanic or latino (195 degrees). 2.93% of degree recipients (38 students) did not report their race.

The most common race/ethnicity and sex grouping at Emerson College is white female (508 degrees awarded). There were 2.32 times more white female recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, white male (219 degrees).

Endowment

Emerson College has an endowment valued at nearly $241M, as of the end of the 2023 fiscal year. The return on its endowment was of 27.1M (11.3%) compared to the 5.72%.

Historical Context and Developments

Emerson College has undergone significant transformations since its founding in 1880. Originally a "school of oratory," it has evolved into a comprehensive institution specializing in arts and communication. The college has moved locations within Boston and has expanded its curriculum to include a wide range of degree programs. Key moments in its history include:

Early Years: Founded by Charles Wesley Emerson, the college initially focused on oratory and dramatic arts.
Expansion and Development: The college expanded its curriculum to include acting, stagecraft, radio broadcasting, and broadcast journalism.
Financial Challenges and Recovery: The college faced financial crises in the mid-20th century but recovered through grassroots efforts and alumni support.
Campus Transformations: Emerson College has moved to various locations within Boston, with significant developments in facilities, including performance spaces, classrooms, and residence halls.
Recent Developments: Recent developments include the opening of the Paramount Center and the merger with Marlboro College.

Student Life and Campus

Emerson College's campus is located in the heart of Boston's Theater District, offering students access to cultural and artistic resources. The college's facilities include:

Ansin Building: Houses Visual & Media Arts labs and facilities, as well as the home of WERS, WECB, and ETIN.
Walker Building: Hosts the school's Department of Television, Radio, Film Production, and other departments.
Tufte Performance Production Center (PPC): Includes two theaters, two television studios, makeup and costume labs, and faculty offices.
Paramount Center: A renovated theater and performing arts facility.
Piano Row: A 14-story residence hall for students.
Emerson Los Angeles (ELA): A permanent home for Emerson's Los Angeles program.

Rankings and Recognition

Emerson College is recognized as a leading institution in arts and communication. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Emerson College is ranked No. #19 in Regional Universities North and No. #5 in Most Innovative Schools.

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