
120 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116-4624, USA


Emerson College holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), an agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This regional accreditation assures that the institution meets rigorous standards for quality, effectiveness, and continuous improvement in higher education.
Additionally, specific programs within Emerson College are accredited by specialized organizations related to their fields. These accreditations provide added validation of the quality and relevance of professional training offered. Prospective students should consider these factors when evaluating how well the college aligns with their academic and career goals.
Emerson College requires applicants to have completed secondary education, with a General Educational Development (GED) certificate accepted in place of a traditional high school diploma. Submission of secondary school records and a minimum grade point average are mandatory components of the application. Additionally, applicants must provide recommendations and evidence of college readiness through completed college-level programs.
Standardized test scores, such as the SAT and ACT, are not explicitly required; however, the college does require TOEFL scores from applicants for whom English is a second language, and recommends submission of other test results where applicable.
Notably, Emerson College does not operate an open admission policy, nor does it offer credit for dual enrollment or computer ownership; however, it provides computer leasing options for students. Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted.
The admissions process reflects a selective profile, with an acceptance rate of 47%, placing it in the lower 15% nationally. The average SAT score among enrolled students is 1300, situating them within the top 20% of test-takers, while the mean ACT score is 30, ranking in the top 10%. This reveals a competitive academic standard for prospective students.
Emerson College requires prospective students to pay a nonrefundable application fee. This fee is set at $75 for undergraduate applicants. The college recognizes that application costs may pose challenges for some students and therefore offers fee waivers under specific conditions. Eligible students include those who receive a Fee Waiver from the College Board or the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Additionally, applicants who qualify for a waiver through these organizations can submit their applications without paying the fee.
Fee waiver requests must be accompanied by proper documentation and are typically granted to students demonstrating financial need. Emerson College encourages prospective applicants to consult their admissions office for detailed guidance on how to apply for a fee waiver. The availability of fee waivers aims to reduce financial barriers and support a diverse applicant pool.
Emerson College does not offer any Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs directly on its campus. Prospective students interested in participating in ROTC can often pursue these programs through cross-enrollment agreements with nearby institutions that host Army, Navy, or Air Force ROTC units. This arrangement allows students to fulfill their ROTC commitments while completing their degrees at Emerson College. However, specific details regarding such partnerships or the accessibility of ROTC opportunities through Emerson are not provided by the institution.
Emerson College welcomes transfer applicants for the fall and spring terms, offering an opportunity for those wishing to continue their education there. The institution is known for its very difficult entrance requirements, indicating a competitive admissions process for prospective transfer students. Transfer credits are accepted, which can facilitate a smoother transition for students transferring from other institutions.
Additionally, Emerson College recognizes credits earned through CLEP subject exams, allowing certain standardized test credits to be applied toward degree requirements. There is an age limit for transfer applicants, who must be within 10 years of their prior college experience.
Emerson College offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic experience and provide global perspectives in communication and the arts. These programs include semester-long exchanges, short-term faculty-led courses, and summer sessions in different countries, allowing students to tailor their international education to fit their academic schedules and interests.
Students can participate in semester or year-long exchanges with partner institutions around the world, which enable immersion in different cultural and academic environments while earning credits toward their Emerson degree. Additionally, the college organizes shorter programs led by Emerson faculty, often focusing on specific themes or industries relevant to students' fields of study, such as media, performing arts, or writing.
The study abroad programs also emphasize practical experience, frequently incorporating internships, workshops, or industry visits to complement classroom learning. This hands-on approach enhances students' professional skills and cross-cultural competencies, preparing them for global careers.
Emerson College ensures that students receive support throughout the application process, including guidance on program selection, scholarship options, and preparation for studying internationally. By offering these varied formats and locations, Emerson aims to make study abroad accessible and impactful for students pursuing creative and communicative disciplines.
Median composite SAT score
1300Median composite ACT score
30Percent of students submitting ACT scores
7%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
20%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
HardGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring