Boston, MAprivate nonprofitwww.emmanuel.edu/
Emmanuel College, a small Catholic liberal arts school in Boston, punches above its weight with a surprisingly robust science and nursing curriculum tucked into its historic brownstone campus. With a 76% acceptance rate and a student body where 78% live on campus, it offers a tight-knit, supportive community just steps from Fenway Park—though its sticker price demands serious financial aid consideration.
Emmanuel's admissions process is moderately selective, with a 76% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. according to multiple sources—though early applicants enjoy a 91.6% acceptance rate advantage. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1190-1330 on the SAT or 18-24 on the ACT, with an average GPA that hovers around the B+ range. Notably, the college receives over 6,000 applications annually but enrolls just a fraction of those admitted, suggesting YieldThe share of admitted students who actually choose to enroll. Colleges watch it closely, which is why some weigh how interested you seem. challenges.
The college leans heavily into its strengths in biological sciences (particularly through a notable biotech-business hybrid program) and nursing, alongside traditional liberal arts offerings. Business administration emerges as another popular choice, with interdisciplinary opportunities like leadership-strategy coursework integrated into science majors. Small class sizes are the norm, supported by a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that facilitates close mentorship—a rarity for a Boston-area institution at this price point.
This is a residential campus in the truest sense—78% of students live in college housing, creating a self-contained community where dorm life thrives. Reviews consistently highlight the "unusually supportive" faculty and staff who go beyond academic mentorship. The urban location provides easy access to Boston's museums and Fenway Park, but the college works hard to foster on-campus engagement through 50+ student organizations and Division III athletics (Saints teams compete in the GNAC conference).
Four-year graduation rates hover around 35-37%, rising to 69% within six years—slightly below peer averages but showing steady improvement. Early-career earnings for graduates average $40,000, outperforming expectations for the institution's profile, with nursing and business majors reporting particularly strong placement. The 79% first-year retention rate suggests students who enroll tend to find their footing, though the college could bolster support for timely degree completion.
Sticker shock is real here—the total cost approaches $70k—but 88% of first-years receive Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements. averaging $39,687, with merit scholarships up to $9,000 for top performers. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests most students pay closer to $33,214 after grants, though nursing majors report median debt at graduation of $22,969. Church matching scholarships and fine arts awards provide niche funding opportunities for eligible candidates.
Emmanuel delivers a paradox: the intimacy of a small liberal arts college with the professional opportunities of an urban research university. Its nursing and biotech programs leverage Boston's medical hub status, while the core curriculum retains the Sisters of Notre Dame's emphasis on ethical leadership. The campus itself—a cluster of historic and modern buildings near the Longwood Medical Area—feels like a scholarly oasis amid the city's chaos. For students who thrive in close-knit communities but want Boston internships at their doorstep, it's a compelling hybrid.