by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Emerson worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Emerson is ranked #3,172 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #84 of 85 for value.
Among the majors Emerson offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Communications / Public Relations | #9 of 9 |
| Political Communication | #9 of 9 |
| Other Dramatic/Theatre Arts & Stagecraft | #30 of 30 |
| Directing & Theatrical Production | #37 of 40 |
| Sports Communication | #40 of 40 |
| Teacher Education | #53 of 53 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, & Applied Communication | #77 of 79 |
| Theater Design & Technology | #77 of 78 |
| Musical Theater | #78 of 81 |
| Acting | #81 of 85 |
Read the full Emerson value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Emerson College is ranked #20 out of #96 in Massachusetts for quality and #84 out of #85 for Massachusetts value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the Emerson financial aid page to be sure.
Emerson College is ranked #3,172 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Emerson College is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Emerson costs about $56,992. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $227,969 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $80,429 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $49,180 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $56,992 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $227,969 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the Emerson net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Emerson degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $321,716 | — | — |
| All Students | $227,969 | #3,172 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $196,720 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $321,716 | — | — |
| All Students | $227,969 | #84 | D- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $196,720 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Emerson shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $31,412 |
| $30K–$48K | $34,742 |
| $48K–$75K | $39,297 |
| $75K–$110K | $43,628 |
| Over $110K | $55,833 |
About 75% of Emerson undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $26,674 per year. Get more details on the Emerson financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the Emerson net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.