Private not-for-profit

Medium

Emerson College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1250 to 1430

ACT Range29 to 32

Average GPA3.73

Acceptance Rate51.3%

At test-optional Emerson, the useful signal is that the 16% who submit SAT scores are generally strong, with a middle range of 1250 to 1430. If your GPA is near Emerson’s 3.73 average, aim for the upper half of that range, around 1340+, to make submitting scores a clear advantage.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Emerson College facts and stats

Quick Facts

Emerson College enrolls about 3,908 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Emerson has an 87% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 77% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1.

Location

Boston, MA

Undergrad Enrollment3,908

Freshman Retention87%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio14:1

Graduation Rate77%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Emerson?

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Key Emerson College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

November 1

Early Decision

Offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

November 15

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Because Emerson is test-optional, follow this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for superscoring-focused retakes. For Emerson’s November 1 Early Action deadline, an October SAT or September ACT is usually the last retake likely to arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Emerson is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students, with tuition and fees at $57,056. About 50% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $14,378. Submit the FAFSA by the November 15 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.

Tuition and Fees$57,056

Room and Board$20,920

Average Merit Award$14,378

Application Fee$65

Students on Aid50%

Average Aid Package$35,079

Average Debt at GradN/A

Emerson College’s estimated cost of attendance is $77,976, including $57,056 in tuition and fees and $20,920 for room and board. About 50% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $35,079, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Merit aid is also a meaningful factor, with an average merit award of $14,378 and named scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $22,500.