Berklee College of Music
About Berklee College of Music
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Berklee College of Music is a private music college in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world and has produced numerous Grammy Award-winning artists and producers.
Founded
1945
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Students
8,288
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
43.5%
Selective
Graduation Rate
67.3%
Near national average
Tuition
$52,040
Per year
Avg Net Price
$49,465
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$33,647
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
43.5 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$150
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Berklee College of Music is moderately selective at 43.5%. Meeting the academic requirements puts you in a good position to be admitted.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
67.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
88.6%
4-Year Grad
57%
6-Year Grad
69%
Teaching Quality
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
34.5%
$/Student
$20.7K
Class Size
Small
While 57% finish in 4 years, 88.6% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$52,040
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,930
Books & Supplies
$1,085
Total Cost of Attendance
$72,700
After Financial Aid
$49,465
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$42,734
Receive Grants
16.2%
Take Loans
33.9%
The total cost of attendance runs about $72,700/yr, including $19,930 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $49,465.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Berklee College of Music fund their education.
While in School
16.2%
Get Grants
Free money
33.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$50,454
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Graduates leave with $25,000 in median debt, above the national average. Explore all scholarship and aid options, and consider your expected earnings in your chosen field.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Berklee College of Music.
Gender
45%
Female
55%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,468
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
820
Graduates
21.2%
First-Gen
24 yrs
Avg Age
17.1%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 55% of the student body. 21.2% are first-generation college students. 31.9% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
7,468
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Berklee College of Musicearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$33,647
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Music
$18K
625 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Software and Media Applications
$19K
440 grads
1yr Earnings
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other
$27K
215 grads
1yr Earnings
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
$40K
154 grads
1yr Earnings
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
—
69 grads
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
$36K
46 grads
1yr Earnings
Median earnings are $34K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Berklee College of Music
What is the acceptance rate at Berklee College of Music?▾
How much does Berklee College of Music cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Berklee College of Music?▾
How much do Berklee College of Music graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.