
Emmanuel College was founded in 1919 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur as a Catholic women's college in Boston. It became coeducational in 2001, a change that helps explain why its historical identity differs from its student body today.
The college remains on its Fenway campus and retains its Catholic affiliation. Its history is relevant to applicants who want to understand the institution's emphasis on liberal arts study, service and education alongside its current range of professional programs.
Emmanuel College offers undergraduate majors across the liberal arts, sciences and professional fields, as well as graduate programs. Its academic offerings include biology, chemistry, computer science, psychology, communication, business, education and nursing-related study.
Applicants should examine the requirements of a particular major rather than assume that admission to the college is admission to every professional pathway. Teacher preparation and health-related programs, for example, can involve sequenced courses, fieldwork or additional eligibility requirements. Emmanuel's Boston setting may also matter academically: placements and internships can connect classroom work with nearby schools, health care organizations and other employers, although a student's specific opportunities depend on the program.
Emmanuel College is at 400 The Fenway in Boston, Massachusetts, in an urban neighborhood shared with cultural institutions, hospitals and other colleges. It is a city campus, not a secluded residential setting.
Students can use Boston-area public transportation to reach other parts of the city, though commuting time will depend on where they live and their class schedule. The location may be useful for internships and off-campus activities, but students considering those opportunities should account for travel time and expenses. Boston Logan International Airport is the main airport serving the area.
Emmanuel describes its educational mission through its Catholic identity and the tradition of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Its stated priorities include intellectual development, ethical reflection, service and concern for social justice.
That affiliation is part of the college's institutional identity; it should not be mistaken for a statement about any individual student's beliefs. Prospective students who want to know how the mission affects their coursework should review the current general education requirements and any service or reflection components of their intended program.
Name of the institution
Emmanuel CollegeLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999Religious affiliation
Catholic (Roman Catholic Church)School type
Four-year collegeMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1919Emmanuel College is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degreeData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.