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Emerson College vs Williams College

Emerson College is a private college in Boston, MA, and Williams College is a private college in Williamstown, MA. Williams College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 8% of applicants against 51% at Emerson College. Williams College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,716 a year against $49,180 at Emerson College. About 95% of students graduate at Williams College, compared with 78% at Emerson College. Ten years after enrolling, Williams College alumni earn a median of about $88,665, against $62,832 for Emerson College.

Emerson College

Boston, MA · Private

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Williamstown, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,870
2,076
Acceptance rate
51%
8%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1270–1420
1490–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,180
$17,716
Full cost / yr
$80,399
$84,860
In-state tuition
$57,056
$68,560
Out-of-state tuition
$57,056
$68,560
Application fee
$65
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$32,650
$0*
$30k - $48k
$32,621
$0*
$48k - $75k
$41,927
$0*
$75k - $110k
$46,252
$3,030
Over $110k
$57,288
$49,594
Outcomes
Graduation rate
78%
95%
Freshman retention
87%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,799
$71,754
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,832
$88,665
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$12,761
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
18%
First-generation students
13%
22%
International students
15%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 5

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

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 Emerson College or Williams College harder to get into?
Williams College is harder to get into. It admits about 8% 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, Emerson College or Williams College?
Williams College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,716 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 Emerson College and Williams College?
Before aid, Emerson College costs about $80,399 a year and Williams College about $84,860. 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, Emerson College or Williams College?
Williams College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,610 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, Emerson College or Williams College?
Emerson College is the larger of the two, with about 3,870 undergraduates against 2,076 at Williams College.
Does Emerson College or Williams College have a better graduation rate?
Williams College has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 78% at Emerson College.
Do graduates of Emerson College or Williams College earn more?
Williams College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $88,665 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,832 for Emerson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Emerson College and Williams College require SAT or ACT scores?
Emerson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Williams College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Emerson College and Williams College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1270–1420 at Emerson College and 1490–1570 at Williams College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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Which of these is the better fit for you?

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