Emerson College

Getting in is the hard part. Emerson College admitted 51.3% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 1270–1420 on the SAT and 29–32 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Emerson College actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

Our creative learning environment combines intellectual exploration with professional training and real-world experience, helping you and other ambitious artists and communicators from all backgrounds become a powerful force in fields that influence our culture, society, and future.

Emerson offers a liberal arts foundation deeply integrated with professional training in communication and the arts.

• School of Arts and Interdisciplinary Studiesacting, theatre education, applied theatre, stage design, musical theatre, comed
• School of Communicationcommunication studies, marketing communication, journalism, communication scienc
• School of Film, Television, and Media Artsfilm, television, media arts

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• Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from emerson.edu.

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

• We often use metaphors to help us understand our world and persuade others. Write about a metaphor you find powerful, and explore its potential to be helpful and/or harmful in your thinking.

  Up to 600 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from emerson.edu.

The sticker price is about $80,399, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $49,180.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $62,832.

Verified from emerson.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

“Pitch your daring idea in a communication class, then rehearse for the EVVY Awards, a Tuesday here.”

Discover a vibrant campus nestled in the heart of Boston, buzzing with creative energy and opportunities.

Is Emerson College test-optional?

For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Emerson College is optional.

How hard is it to get into Emerson College?

Very hard. Emerson College admits 51.3% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1270 to 1420 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.

How much does Emerson College cost?

The list price is about $80,399, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $49,180.

Is Emerson College worth it?

Graduates earn a median of $62,832 ten years after enrolling, and 78% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.