Emerson College Blames Pro-Palestinian Protests for Drop in Enrollment

Emerson College said pro-Palestinian protests are partly to blame for an expected drop in enrollment for the incoming fall class.

Emerson College plans staff layoffs and non-filling of vacancies in fiscal year 2025 due to enrollment drop linked to negative press and social media from pro-Palestinian protests.

The decline in enrollment for 2024-2025 freshmen is attributed to various factors, including national trends, FAFSA delays, student protests affecting events and negative media from the protests.

Over 100 protesters arrested during a campus demonstration in April; clearing encampments had a significant adverse impact on the college community.