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Brandeis University vs Emerson College

Brandeis University is a private university in Waltham, MA. Emerson College is a private college in Boston, MA. Brandeis University admits about 41% of applicants and Emerson College about 51%, making Brandeis University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $35,736 a year at Brandeis University after aid, and about $49,180 at Emerson College. About 86% of students graduate at Brandeis University, compared with 78% at Emerson College. Ten years after enrolling, Brandeis University alumni earn a median of about $77,231, against $62,832 for Emerson College.

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA · Private

Emerson College

Boston, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Waltham, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,618
3,870
Acceptance rate
41%
51%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1390–1520
1270–1420
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
29–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$35,736
$49,180
Full cost / yr
$86,448
$80,399
In-state tuition
$68,080
$57,056
Out-of-state tuition
$68,080
$57,056
Application fee
$80
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,363
$32,650
$30k - $48k
$15,135
$32,621
$48k - $75k
$20,536
$41,927
$75k - $110k
$26,784
$46,252
Over $110k
$54,885
$57,288
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
78%
Freshman retention
87%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,967
$42,799
Median earnings (10 yr)
$77,231
$62,832
Median debt at graduation
$25,648
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
16%
First-generation students
16%
13%
International students
19%
15%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 2
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Brandeis University or Emerson College harder to get into?
Brandeis University is harder to get into. It admits about 41% of applicants, compared with 51% at Emerson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Brandeis University or Emerson College?
Brandeis University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $35,736 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $49,180 at Emerson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Brandeis University and Emerson College?
Before aid, Emerson College costs about $80,399 a year and Brandeis University about $86,448. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Brandeis University or Emerson College?
Brandeis University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,363 there, against about $32,650 at Emerson College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Brandeis University or Emerson College?
Emerson College is the larger of the two, with about 3,870 undergraduates against 3,618 at Brandeis University.
Does Brandeis University or Emerson College have a better graduation rate?
Brandeis University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 78% at Emerson College.
Do graduates of Brandeis University or Emerson College earn more?
Brandeis University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,231 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,832 for Emerson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Brandeis University and Emerson College require SAT or ACT scores?
Brandeis University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Emerson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Brandeis University and Emerson College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1390–1520 at Brandeis University and 1270–1420 at Emerson College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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