Eligibility
Emerson offers several need-based and merit-based financial aid programs. To be considered for merit-based aid, you should have a distinguished academic record, or demonstrate leadership or outstanding potential either in your school or community. To apply for need-based aid, you must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident and you must follow the application steps below.
View our Eligibility Requirements for further information. Financial aid funding is based on several factors including, but not limited to: meeting financial aid deadlines; demonstrated financial need; enrollment status; living arrangements; and satisfactory academic progress.
Transfer Applicants
Financial Aid Deadlines
| Application | Fall 2025 Transfer Applicants | Spring 2026 Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| CSS Profile (Required for institutional need-based aid) | April 4, 2025 | November 14, 2025 |
| FAFSA (Required for federal need-based aid) | April 4, 2025 | November 14, 2025 |
| Non-Custodial Parent Statement | April 18, 2025 | November 21, 2025 |
| Supplemental Documents* | May 5, 2025 | December 5, 2025 |
*Only if instructed to complete by the Office of Financial Aid: signed Federal Tax Returns, W-2 forms, Verification Worksheet, etc.
Federal Need-Based Aid
Requires the FAFSA only (unless selected for verification). If you would like to be considered for institutional need-based aid as well, please complete the CSS Profile in addition to any other documents requested by the Office of Financial Aid.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form
Our FAFSA school code is 002146.
For students applying for the Fall 2025 term, you may submit this form to the Federal Processing Center beginning December 2023. Your 2024-2025 FAFSA must be received and processed by the Federal Processor before the deadline of April 4, 2025.
For students applying for the Spring 2026 term, your 2025-2026 FAFSA must be received and processed by the Federal Processor before the deadline of November 14, 2025.
CSS Profile Application
Our CSS Profile school code is 3367. You may now complete this application. CollegeBoard (CSS) will transmit the data to Emerson College as long as you pay the appropriate fees (if applicable).
For students applying for the Spring 2025 term, the 2024-2025 application must be received and processed before the deadline of November 13, 2024 to be considered for institutional need-based funds.
For students applying for the Fall 2025 term, the 2025-2026 application must be received and processed before the deadline of April 5, 2025 to be considered for institutional need-based funds.
For students applying for the Spring 2026 term, the 2025-2026 application must be received and processed before the deadline of November 14, 2025 to be considered for institutional need-based funds.
Additional Details
If your parents are divorced or separated:
The noncustodial parent needs to fill out the Noncustodial Parent Statement. Emerson College does not participate in the Noncustodial Profile offered by the College Board. This application must be received by above the deadline for consideration of institutional need-based funds. To waive the statement, read our Noncustodial Parent Statement & Waivers FAQ.
If you receive an initial tentative financial aid package, you may be required to submit the remaining documents to complete your file and verify your aid offer. Additional documents may include:
- Signed copies of your parent(s) 2023 federal tax returns, including all schedules and W2's.
- Signed copies of student's 2023 federal tax returns, including all schedules and W2's.
- Any additional documentation requested by the Office of Financial Aid.
Federal Verification Process
The US Department of Education (ED) selects certain FAFSA files for a review process called verification. When this happens, the Office of Financial Aid is required to ensure that the information reported on your FAFSA is accurate.
If your application has been selected, your financial aid document checklist will be updated with a list of documents that need to be submitted to complete this review process. Federal verification is an important part of the financial aid application process. We cannot process your financial aid package until the verification review is complete, so we encourage timely submission of all requested documents.
Emerson’s federal verification deadline is the end of the semester or academic year for which the student is enrolled, whichever is sooner.
Applicants should submit all requested documents through their Admission Portal. If all documents are not received by the first week of classes, students should submit any outstanding documents through their SFS Portal.
Emerson specific forms requested to complete the verification process can be found on our Forms and Instructions page.
Please note:
- Federal verification for the 2025-26 academic year requires 2023 income tax information.
- Federal verification for the 2024-25 academic year requires 2022 income tax information.
Document Submission
Financial aid application materials must be uploaded via the uploader tool on the admission portal OR mailed to:
Emerson College
Office of Financial Aid
120 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
Please do not fax or email documents.