Emerson College’s financial assistance program helps qualified students and their families finance students’ education. Sources of assistance include one or more of the following: scholarships, grants, employment, and loans. Institutional funds at Emerson College are packaged on the basis of both financial eligibility and academic merit. All federal funds are packaged on the basis of financial eligibility. The responsibility for financing a college education initially rests with students and their families. Assistance is provided by the College as a supplement to families’ efforts. Anyone wishing to apply for financial assistance should access the website at emerson.edu/finaid. International students are not eligible to receive need-based financial assistance. Only citizens or permanent residents of the United States are eligible to apply for need-based financial assistance. International students should evaluate the cost of studying at Emerson and be prepared to finance the total cost of their education.
College Costs and Student Expense Budgets
The total cost of attending an institution is an important factor in family financial planning. The tuition, food and housing, and other fees and charges compose the majority of an Emerson student’s expenses. However, books and supplies, personal needs, and transportation must also be included in the Cost of Attendance (COA). Students and parents should allow for inflation when considering financing four years of attendance at Emerson. For students who enter in the Fall 2024 semester or later, the College estimates that a residence hall student should be prepared for costs of approximately $85,504 for the nine months of the academic year. A student living off campus should expect approximate costs of $82,450, which includes an estimated amount for nine months of rent and off-campus expenses.
For students who entered in the Fall 2019 or Spring 2020 semesters, approximate costs include $84,672 for on-campus and $81,618 for off-campus. For students who entered prior to Fall 2019, approximate costs include $83,968 for on-campus and $80,914 for off-campus.
All of the expenses listed above are used to determine the student’s college budget; they are not the billed costs for the College. When the Office of Financial Aid reviews an application to determine a student’s financial eligibility, this entire college budget is used as a base, rather than merely the amount of the tuition and food/housing billed.
For more detailed information on costs, financial assistance, and financing options, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 120 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116-4624, or 617-824-8655 (option 2), or visit its website at emerson.edu/finaid.
Restricted Scholarships
Emerson College has a number of restricted scholarships and awards that are available to students who meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the respective donors. The Office of Financial Aid makes all awards. If the award is designated for a student(s) in a particular department, that department is consulted. Due to the balance of individual endowment funds, not all scholarships are awarded annually.
The scholarships listed below are funds conferred to Emerson College by private donors. These scholarships are disbursed through the Office of Financial Aid. To be considered, students must complete a financial aid application with the Office of Financial Aid unless otherwise noted. These scholarships are not renewable unless otherwise noted. Funding for these scholarships is not guaranteed each year. Awards are dependent on funding levels. These scholarships are only for full-time students and are only available for courses taken during the fall and/or spring semesters.
Alumni Association Scholarship. The Alumni Association funds awards of $2,500 per student each academic year. Scholarships are allocated among each of the undergraduate classes and graduate students. Recipients qualify for renewed receipt of the scholarship until their graduation, based on academic performance and continued financial need.
Ed Ansin Diversity Scholarship. Established in 2007, this scholarship supports undergraduate students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, first-generation college students, or students from racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented at Emerson. Preference will be given to members of the Boston chapter of the Boys and Girls Clubs or its successor organization. The scholarship is renewable providing the student maintains full-time enrollment and is in good academic standing.
Nettie N. Banks Term Scholarship. Established in 2013 by Susan A. Banks ‘76, with her sisters Anita and Carole, in memory of their late mother, Nettie Mae (Nash) Banks. An avid supporter of education, Nettie was an elementary teacher and guidance counselor, and worked hard to put all three daughters through private colleges despite being widowed when they were children. She believed that knowledge was the key to life and inspired all she touched to reach for the stars. The scholarship is awarded to students from underrepresented groups in good academic standing at the College and who have financial need.
Eckardt and Barbara Horowitz Beck Scholarship. Established by a gift from E. Chris Beck ‘68, H’94 and Barbara H. Beck ‘69. Awarded on the basis of excellence in communication to students with first-year, sophomore, or junior standing who demonstrate financial need.
Beth Hodgson Berkowitz Scholarship. Established in 1998 and awarded on the basis of financial need to a student who has maintained at least a B grade average.
Bill Bordy Scholarship. Established by a gift from Bill Bordy ‘58 and awarded on the basis of financial need and academic achievement. One scholarship is given to a student in each of the following programs: Performing Arts, Visual and Media Arts, or Journalism; and Writing, Literature and Publishing.
Ruth and Bernard Bork Scholarship. Awarded on the basis of financial need to a student majoring in Communication Disorders.
Mark Bortman Scholarship. Awarded to a student with financial need who has demonstrated superior academic achievement in their first and sophomore years. The scholarship is credited for two consecutive years at the junior and senior level. (This is an exception to the nonrenewable clause listed above.)
Jeanne Marie Brodeur Memorial Scholarship. Established in 2009 by a bequest from Jeanne Brodeur ‘72 and supplemented with gifts from her friends, the scholarship is to benefit full-time undergraduate students who are in good academic standing and have financial need.
Harry and Doris Brudnoy Scholarship. Established in 2005 by a bequest from David Brudnoy in tribute to the memory of his parents. As an honorary brother of Phi Alpha Tau, David Brudnoy gave freely of himself as a friend and mentor. The scholarship is awarded to an active brother of Phi Alpha Tau who is a full-time student with financial need.
Mary Burrill Scholarship. Established in 2002 in honor of playwright and educator Mary “Mamie” Burrill, 1904, the earliest known Emerson graduate of color. Awarded to a deserving student or students in the incoming first-year class from groups that are underrepresented at the College.
Martha MacDowell Carpenter Scholarship. Established in 2013 by a bequest from Martha MacDowell Carpenter who graduated from Emerson in 1950. The scholarship is to be awarded to students with financial need.
Darren Cecil Scholarship. Established in 1986 in honor of Darren Cecil ‘86. Awarded to an undergraduate with a disability who shows financial need and demonstrates a high level of academic performance.
Pete Chvany Scholarship. Established in 2010 to honor Pete Chvany, whose ability to nurture students, foster potential, and push for excellence launched many successful lives and careers. Awarded to full-time juniors or seniors who have a passion and commitment to activities such as EIV, WEBN, EMComm, PFS, and the EVVYs. Preference is given to students whose financial need has been caused by changed family circumstances.
Class of 1961 Scholarship. Juniors or seniors in good academic standing who experience an unforeseen financial hardship and need emergency assistance to complete their studies at Emerson are eligible to receive a scholarship of not more than $5,000 annually.
Lyell B. Clay Memorial Scholarship. Established by Whitney Clay Diller ‘79 as a tribute to her father, the scholarship will support one or more annual award(s) for full-time undergraduate students in the School of Communication who have financial need and remain in good academic standing. Preference will be given to qualified students applying from West Virginia.
John Coffee Memorial Scholarship. John Coffee taught at Emerson for 39 years, retiring in 2005. A talented storyteller, he brought history to life in his classroom. He also co-authored A Century of Eloquence: The History of Emerson College, 1880-1980. The scholarship is for students with financial need who are preparing for a career in investigative journalism.
Chet Collier Scholarship. Established in 2003 in honor of Chet Collier ‘50, the scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate journalism student who demonstrates an understanding of fair and balanced journalism.
Hamilton D. Comstock Scholarship Fund. Established by the National Alumni Board of Directors in honor of Hamilton Duffy Comstock ‘67, G’69. Supplemented by a gift from the estate of Jane Comstock. Awarded to the child, grandchild, or sibling of an Emerson graduate who demonstrates excellence in scholarship, strong leadership potential, and participation in alumni affairs.
Annabel Conover Scholarship. For students in Performing Arts who have a financial need. The scholarship was funded in 2014 in honor of Annabel Conover, a member of the Class of 1918.
S. James Coppersmith Broadcasting Scholarship. Established in 1997 by friends and associates. Awarded to students entering their junior year concentrating in Broadcast Journalism. The award is based on high academic achievement and financial need.
Peter V. Corea Scholarship. For nearly four decades, the late Peter Corea devoted himself to developing Emersonians’ abilities for self-expression, social interaction, and community participation. This scholarship was established by his son, William, and widow, Alicia, and was first awarded in 2007 to a full-time undergraduate student on the basis of financial need and academic achievement.
Kenneth C. Crannell Sr. Scholarship in Speech Communication and Public Leadership. Established by family and friends in 2005 in honor of Professor Emeritus Ken Crannell. Dr. Crannell received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Emerson and inspired Emerson students for more than 45 years. Awarded on the basis of financial need to a full-time first-year or transfer student whose high school background and proposed program of study at the College indicate an interest in oral communication (as evidenced by participation in debate, forensic and/or drama activities) and a career in public life (community work, politics, or education).
Wilma Tyson Cremer Scholarship. Established by George Cremer in honor of his wife, Wilma “Billie” Tyson Cremer ‘39, this scholarship is awarded annually to a student with financial need who excels in oratory or oral interpretation.
Jon and Justin Croteau Kasteel Well Scholarship Fund. The expendable income from the fund shall be used to provide scholarship assistance each semester for a full-time undergraduate student who is studying at Kasteel Well in the Netherlands. The student awardee will be in good academic standing and in need of financial assistance.
John Diamantakiou Scholarship. Established in memory of John Diamantakiou ‘91 by his family and friends. The scholarship is awarded to a student in Political Communication who has high academic achievement and financial need.
Polly Epstein Scholarship. Established in 1996 to celebrate the memory of Polly Epstein and her love of the arts. The award is granted to a student based on financial need and academic achievement.
Celia Segal Foster Scholarship. The Celia Segal Foster Scholarship was established in her honor by her children and grandchildren. Income from the scholarship will support in perpetuity an annual scholarship award for a full-time undergraduate student.
Tom Freston Diversity Scholarship. First awarded for the academic year 2008-2009, the scholarship is for undergraduate students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, first-generation college students, or students from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented at Emerson. The scholarship is renewable provided the recipient maintains full-time enrollment and good academic standing.
Amy Beth Gallagher ‘88 Scholarship. Established in Amy’s memory by family and friends. Awarded annually to a student(s) from Clinton, Essex, Franklin, or St. Lawrence counties of northern New York. Student(s) must demonstrate academic achievement and financial need. Preference is given to student(s) interested in a career in mass communication. If no one in the above counties is eligible, the scholarship can be awarded to student(s) from as far south as Albany, New York.
Michael Goldstein ‘84 and Allison E. Picott Scholarship. Established in 2012, the scholarship is for undergraduates, with a preference for students from low-income families, who are in a field of study currently underrepresented by students of diverse backgrounds.
Elinore A. Greene Scholarship. Established in 2009 by a bequest from Elinore A. Ziff Greene ‘49, the scholarship is awarded annually to deserving students in good standing. Preference is given to nontraditional students returning to their studies in Performing Arts.
Olive Palmer Hansen Scholarship. Established in 1956 by a bequest from Olive Palmer Hansen, the scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic standing and need.
William Randolph Hearst Scholarship. The scholarship was established at Emerson in 1987 with the goal of increasing enrollment of diversity at the College. Since the first scholarships were granted in 1992, nearly 100 Emersonians have been able to continue and/or complete their studies thanks to the earnings from the endowment.
Hindery Family Scholarship Fund. Established in 2013 by Leo Hindery Jr. and Patti Wheeler Hindery. Awarded to students with financial need who are from underrepresented groups.
Laura C. Hodgkinson Scholarship. Established by bequest from Ms. Hodgkinson and awarded on the basis of financial need.
Sophie Horowitz Scholarship. The scholarship was established by friends and family of Sophie Horowitz, the mother of Evelyn Horowitz Malinowitz ‘67, and is awarded to a nontraditional female student who is studying for her first college degree.
V.C. Jesseman Scholarship. Established by bequest in 1968. Awarded on the basis of high academic performance and financial need.
Elizabeth Keppie Scholarship. First awarded in 1991-1992, the scholarship was established by Elizabeth Keppie from the Class of 1908 and is awarded to a student with high academic performance and financial need.
Helen Hughes Lane Scholarship. Established in 2001 by bequest of Helen Hughes Lane ‘39 and further supported by The Edward H. Lane Foundation. The award is granted to an undergraduate or graduate student in Journalism.
Jacqueline Weis Liebergott Scholarship. Established by family, friends, and supporters in 2011, the scholarship was created in tribute to Emerson College’s 11th President, Jacqueline Weiss Liebergott, in recognition of her achievements and her concern for students with financial need.
Agnes Lindsay Trust Scholarship. Awarded to needy students from rural communities (fewer than 5,000 residents) in New England. Funded since 1994 by the Agnes Lindsay Trust.
Arch MacDonald Scholarship. Established by TV stations WNEV, WCVB, WBZ, and WLVI in honor of Arch MacDonald, Boston’s first TV news anchor. Awarded to a Broadcast Journalism student who demonstrates academic achievement, financial need, and potential success as a professional.
Beatrice Talmas Mantel Scholarship. Established in 1990 by a gift from the estate of Beatrice Talmas Mantel ‘19. The award is based on financial need and high academic achievement.
Lou Marcel Scholarship. Established in his memory in 1986 by friends, family, and WCCM-FM. Awarded to a sophomore, junior, or senior from the greater Lawrence, Massachusetts, area concentrating in Radio/TV Journalism and demonstrating financial need.
Rosemary H. McCorkle Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 1996 in Rosemary McCorkle’s honor to a student studying Communication Disorders and entering his or her junior year, who demonstrates financial need and academic progress.
Phyllis Adams McCullough Scholarship. Established by a gift from Phyllis Adams McCullough ‘35. Awarded to a student studying Performing Arts who demonstrates financial need.
Joy McKinley Scholarship. Established in 1983 in memory of President McKinley’s wife. Awarded to a Communication Disorders student who demonstrates financial need.
Gertrude Morrison Scholarship. Established with a bequest from Gertrude Morrison ‘15, H’62. Awarded to a talented and worthy student.
Nicholas Allen Murphy ‘10 Directing Scholarship. Established by the Murphy family in Nick’s honor. The proceeds of this gift shall be applied as scholarship support for an undergraduate student with financial need. First preference is for undergraduates who are in the Performing Arts Theatre Studies directing program, or successor program(s), with second preference to undergraduates who are in the Visual and Media Arts directing program or successor program(s). No preference for BA or BFA degree recipients.
Zarie A. Noorjanian Scholarship. Established by Zarie Noorjanian ‘30. Awarded to a student in Visual and Media Arts or Journalism on the basis of financial need and high academic standing.
Griffin O’Brien Memorial Scholarship. Griff was a member of the Class of 2013 who passed away the summer before his senior year. The scholarship was established in his memory by family, friends, and the Class of 2013 and is awarded to an undergraduate majoring in Writing for Film or Television who is in good academic standing and has financial need.
Sadie A. O’Connell Scholarship. Established by a gift from Zarie Noorjanian ‘30 in honor of Sadie A. O’Connell ‘21, her former Milford High School English teacher. Awarded to a student in Writing, Literature and Publishing on the basis of financial need and high academic standing.
Julian Olansky Scholarship. The scholarship, established in 2007 by MetroRadio System, is awarded to a student with financial need who has a strong interest in photo or video journalism.
Peyton-Martell Endowed Scholarship. Established in 2013 by Patricia Peyton ‘84 and her husband, John Martell. Awarded to students who are academically strong and have financial need.
Polcari-Mady Scholarship. Established by Trustee Lucie Salhany in honor of her parents, the scholarship is for a full-time female undergraduate student who is majoring in broadcast communication. The award is based on financial need and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. The scholarship may be renewed through senior year as long as the recipient’s major is unchanged, her status remains full-time, financial need continues, and her cumulative GPA remains at a minimum of 2.5. (Originally known as the Hal and Tille Mady Scholarship.)
Dominic J. Puopolo Entrepreneurial Scholarship. Established by friends in 1999. Awarded to an undergraduate who has demonstrated unique qualities of individual and professional initiative that best predict future success.
Mabel Arnett Putnam Scholarship. Established by bequest in 1976. The award is based on financial need and academic achievement.
George Quenzel Memorial Scholarship. During his 40 years at Emerson, George Quenzel taught television production and the first film studies and production classes. In 1981, he took students to Los Angeles for a month in what was the precursor to Emerson’s LA Program. The scholarship is awarded to a student who is preparing for a career in television and has financial need. Preference is given to a student who adds to the diversity of the Emerson undergraduate community.
RKO General, Inc. Minority Scholarship. Awarded to students from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who are concentrating in one or more areas of communication to the public (radio/television, film, or print/broadcast journalism) who demonstrate high academic achievement and financial need. Preference is given to students from underrepresented groups.
Ellen Reich Memorial Scholarship. Established in 1981 by family and friends of Ellen Reich ‘75, the award is granted on the basis of financial need and academic standing.
Bertha Reynolds Scholarship. Funded by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Reynolds. The award is based on academic achievement and financial need.
Riendeau Memorial Scholarship. Established in memory of Leonard Riendeau ‘64 by family and friends. The award is for a junior or senior in Theatre Education who maintains a minimum grade point average of 3.2 and demonstrates financial need.
Charles Rosen & David Panzer Scholarship. Established by Charles Rosen ‘68, the scholarship is for students with a minor in business or who participate in the Emerson Experience in Entrepreneurship. Preference is given to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who advocate for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) causes.
Harry S. Ross Scholarship. Established by a gift from Zarie Noorjanian ‘30 in honor of former Emerson College President Harry Seymour Ross. Awarded to a student in the School of Communication based on high academic standing and financial need.
Saga/Marriott Scholarship. Established in 1987. Awarded on the basis of academic achievement and financial need.
Rt. Hon Viscount Sands Scholarship. Established in 2008 by alumnus Rob Sands ‘68, the scholarship is awarded to a needy undergraduate student, with first preference to students who have advocated for or demonstrated an affinity for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) causes.
Isabel Sanford Award. Established by a gift from Isabel Sanford H’85. Awarded to a student entering his or her senior year and studying performance or writing for the theater, television, or film, with preference given to students from underrepresented groups.
Maurice Saval Scholarship. Established by Maurice Saval H’76, this scholarship is awarded to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who demonstrate outstanding potential in their academic performance as well as special accomplishments in terms of community service, talent, and/or leadership in the communication field. Each award will be based upon evaluation of need, taking into account other sources of financial assistance available to the student.
Barry Savenor ‘88 Scholarship in Visual and Media Arts. The scholarship, established by the Savenor family in Barry’s memory, is awarded to a full-time undergraduate student with financial need who is a VMA major and has demonstrated an interest in photography.
Robert E. Schiesske Fund for Performing Arts/Musical Theatre. Established in 2014 by Robert Schiesske. Awarded to students enrolled in Musical Theatre.
Rena Shapiro Scholarship. Established by friends and family in 1988. Awarded to a Theatre Education student who demonstrates financial need and who intends to pursue a career in teaching children.
Tom Shovan Scholarship Fund. Established in 1994 by friends, family, and associates in memory of Tom Shovan. Awarded to undergraduate students majoring in Media Arts (with a preference for Broadcasting) who show tremendous promise and financial need.
Toba Berman Smokler Scholarship. Established by a gift from Toba B. Smokler ‘38. Awarded annually to a student from the Midwest who demonstrates academic excellence and financial need.
Torie (Victoria) Snelgrove Memorial Scholarship. Established in memory of Torie Snelgrove ‘06 by her family and friends. Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student in Broadcast Journalism.
Joseph Spencer Scholarship. Established by the classmates and friends of Joseph Spencer ‘76, who was killed in a helicopter crash in 1986 while covering a story for ABC News. The scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior concentrating in Visual and Media Arts or Journalism who demonstrates high academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to mass communication.
Susan Namm Spencer ‘61 and Leslie Ellen Coplin ‘87 Scholarship. Awarded to undergraduates from New York State who are in good academic standing, have financial need, and are studying Mass Communication or Performing Arts.
Surdna Foundation Scholarship. Established in 1987. Awarded to a student from New York State on the basis of financial need and academic achievement.
Rita and James Troy Scholarship. Established in their memory in 2010, the Rita and James Troy Scholarship is for an Emerson undergraduate with demonstrated financial need.
David P. Twomey III Washington Award. Established in 2009 by family and friends in David’s memory, the award is for a student studying in Washington, DC, who embodies the passion for politics and promise of public diplomacy epitomized by David, G’06.
Judee Truncer Wales Watson Actor Scholarship. Established in 2011, the scholarship is awarded to seniors with financial need who have demonstrated outstanding acting talent and want to become professional actors.
Maxine Cummings Walker Scholarship. Established in 1999. Awarded annually to students who demonstrate high academic achievement and an outstanding interest in attending Emerson College.
WCRB Scholarship. Established in 1986 in honor of WCRB founder Theodore Jones. Awarded to a student of academic merit and financial need entering the field of radio broadcasting. Priority is given to students from underrepresented groups in the radio broadcast industry.
Lois Dow Wilkins Scholarship Fund. Established by bequest of Lois Dow Wilkins ‘29. Awarded to students who demonstrate financial need with an outstanding interest in the study of Performing Arts and Visual and Media Arts.
Janet S. Yorston Scholarship. Established by Janet Smith Yorston ‘37, H’58. Awarded to worthy students demonstrating financial need.
John C. Zacharis Forensics Award. Established by a gift from the family of Dr. John C. Zacharis ‘58, G’59, the 10th president of Emerson College. Awarded to a full-time incoming first-year who demonstrates promise in the area of forensics and, based on satisfactory academic performance, is renewed in the sophomore year.
John C. Zacharis Memorial Scholarship. Established by gifts from alumni, faculty, students, colleagues, and family of Dr. John C. Zacharis ‘58, G’59, the 10th president of Emerson College. Awarded to a full-time undergraduate or transfer student who has made a great impact on the Emerson College community.
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