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Emerson College

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

Emerson College award
Emerson College award
US ranking
position: 1105
Tuition & fees per year: $59,044
Acceptance rate: 47.00%
Median alumni salary: $30,413
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1300 SAT, 30 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Hard

What does Emerson College offer in terms of athletics?

Emerson College provides a variety of athletic opportunities through its Division III sports teams, competing in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). Student-athletes can participate in sports such as basketball, soccer, cross country, and volleyball. The college emphasizes balancing academics with athletic involvement, allowing students to pursue competitive sports while maintaining their studies.

The athletic facilities support both team practices and individual fitness, although Emerson's primary focus remains on fostering a well-rounded student experience rather than extensive athletic commercialization. Intramural and club sports are also available, offering additional options for students wanting to engage in recreational competition without the commitment of varsity athletics.

Overall, athletics at Emerson aim to complement the college's strong academic programs by promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical wellness among students.

What student groups and Associations are available at Emerson College?

Emerson College offers a variety of student groups and associations that cater to diverse interests, particularly in media, entertainment, and international engagement. Notable organizations include EIV (Emerson Independent Video), which focuses on student-produced video content, and the National Broadcasting Society, a student chapter dedicated to broadcasting professionals and enthusiasts. Students interested in writing can join SPEC, a group centered on screenwriting. For those keen on entertainment news, Entertainment Monthly provides a platform to contribute and stay informed. Additionally, Emerson International supports the international student community, fostering global connections and cultural exchange.

Who studies at Emerson College?

Emerson College enrolls a diverse student body with a total of 1,159 new students annually, including 997 freshmen and 162 transfer students. The composition of its undergraduate and graduate populations shows a broad age range, with most undergraduates aged between 18 and 21, while graduate students tend to be older, primarily between 22 and 39 years old.

The college's student demographics highlight a significant percentage of out-of-state students, accounting for 68%, which is notably high and places Emerson among the top 5% nationally for this category. In contrast, in-state students comprise only 15%, a relatively low figure compared to other institutions. Domestic students make up 83% of the total enrollment, showing an average presence in comparison to peer colleges. Additionally, the college attracts a considerable number of international students from 17 foreign countries, ranking it in the top 5% for diversity of foreign representation.

Racial and ethnic diversity at Emerson College is varied but generally falls within average ranges compared to other universities. White students represent the largest group, followed by Hispanic, African American, Asian, and students identifying with two or more races. The numbers for Native American and Pacific Islander students are very low but consistent with typical enrollment patterns at similarly sized colleges.

How does student life look like at Emerson College?

Student life at Emerson College includes a variety of artistic and media-focused activities that cater to diverse interests. The college supports a campus newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, a chorus, and a television outlet, reflecting a vibrant environment for students passionate about communications and performing arts. However, the campus does not have a band or a women's center, which may influence the availability of some extracurricular experiences.

Health and well-being services are present, with access to a health clinic and psychological counseling to support student needs. These resources enable students to maintain their physical and mental health during their academic journey.

Emerson College is a member of the NCAA, indicating its participation in intercollegiate athletics at a competitive level. The student-faculty ratio stands at 14 to 1, which suggests a moderately personalized academic environment. The total staff includes a large number of full-time (834) and part-time (499) employees, positioning the college in the upper percentiles nationally for staff size, possibly contributing to extensive student support and administrative resources.

What libraries are available to students at Emerson College?

Emerson College provides students access to two libraries, with the Iwasaki Library serving as the main facility. This number places the college slightly above average compared to peer institutions. The libraries collectively offer a substantial range of resources, including approximately 145,000 physical books, though this figure ranks in the lower 45th percentile nationally.

The institution holds about 750 subscriptions, which is also modest and in the bottom 40% percentile. However, it fares better in digital resources, boasting around 237,000 digital subscriptions-positioning it above average in availability. Despite having a relatively low number of eBooks at roughly 264,000, falling in the bottom 30 percentile, Emerson maintains close to 120 databases accessible to its students.

Library facilities include study rooms and physical amenities, alongside digital access and staff trained to assist students. The libraries operate on established schedules but do not offer all-day access. Students also benefit from access to shared collections with other institutions, expanding the breadth of research materials beyond Emerson's holdings.

Emerson College Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

5670

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

997

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

834 full time, 499 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Emerson College Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Iwasaki Library

Number of libraries on campus

2

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Emerson College Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Emerson College Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Emerson College Location & Map