Boston, MA · Private University
Is Emerson College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$62,832
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$55,392
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$55,392
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$221,568
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.13x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
79.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$23,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$46,766
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Emerson College graduates earn $17,832 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Emerson College ranked by graduate earnings
83 graduates
30 graduates
34 graduates
101 graduates
122 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Emerson College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| MarketingBest ROI | $61,630 | 1.1x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $60,272 | 1.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $54,641 | 1.0x |
| Journalism | $53,162 | 1.0x |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $43,925 | 0.8x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $42,467 | 0.8x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other(1yr data) | $39,183 | 0.7x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest | $38,227 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Emerson College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $62,832 10 years after starting — $17,832 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 8 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.