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Emerson College

Boston, Massachusetts · Private

48%acceptance rate
1250–1410SAT middle 50%
30–33ACT middle 50%
$50,703average net price

Emerson College admitted 48% of 11,092 applicants (IPEDS, fall 2023). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1250–1410 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 79% of students graduate within six years.

Your chances at Emerson College

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A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.

Application deadlines

Emerson College’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:

Early decision
November 1, 2026
Early decision II
January 1, 2027
Early action
November 1, 2026
Regular decision
January 15, 2027

The application fee is $65 ($0 for international applicants), and Emerson College accepts the Common App fee waiver. Emerson College asks for the Common App personal essay and a counselor recommendation.

Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Emerson College’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.

What it costs

Full price with housing is $80,612 a year. After grants, students paid $50,703 on average.

Average price after grants, by family income:

  • $0–30k$31,412
  • $30–48k$34,742
  • $48–75k$39,297
  • $75–110k$43,628
  • $110k+$55,833

Quick answers

What is Emerson College’s acceptance rate?

Emerson College admitted 48% of applicants: 5,267 of 11,092 (IPEDS, fall 2023).

When is Emerson College’s early decision deadline?

For 2026–27, early decision is due November 1, 2026, early decision II is due January 1, 2027, early action is due November 1, 2026, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.

What SAT score do you need for Emerson College?

The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1250 to 1410, with a median around 1340. A score at or above 1340 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.

How much is Emerson College’s application fee?

The application fee is $65 ($0 for international applicants) for 2026–27, and Emerson College accepts the Common App fee waiver.

What does Emerson College require?

Besides the application and transcript, Emerson College asks for the Common App personal essay and a counselor recommendation.

Does Emerson College have supplemental essays?

Yes. For 2026–27, Emerson College asks 2 questions of its own on top of the main essay (answer both). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.

Not sure which colleges fit?

A Clarity Prep mentor builds a balanced list with your student and checks in every week until it’s done.

Writing your essays? See Emerson College’s supplemental essays and get a free essay review.

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