Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music is a private nonprofit university in Boston, MA ranked #1832 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C-, enrolling about 7,510 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 49.9%. Students most often pursue Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management and Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.
Academically, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 85.4% first-year retention, and 66.3% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $50,404, about $33,406 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -86.9%, roughly 172.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $26,462. That's about $17,226 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Berklee College of Music Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Berklee College of Music graduates 66.3% of students within six years and keeps 85.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Berklee College of Music's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $50,270 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,085 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $19,440 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,623 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $69,874 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 15.4% of Berklee College of Music students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $38,537 to $56,371 depending on family income. Use Berklee College of Music's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $50,150/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $56,371/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $26,462
- 10-Year Median Earnings $26,462
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 65.1%
- Employment Rate 62.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Berklee College of Music graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Berklee College of Music vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Berklee College of Music's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Berklee College of Music's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Berklee College of Music graduates earn $26,462 median, the -86.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 7,510
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 85.4%
- Graduation Rate 66.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Berklee College of Music
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Berklee College of Music requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 49.9%, Berklee College of Music is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Berklee College of Music accepts 49.9% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Berklee College of Music undergraduates. Music, Computer Software and Media Applications, and Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management draw the most students.
- Music 45.9%
- Computer Software and Media Applications 22.1%
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management 11.7%
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other 10.4%
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 3.7%
- Dance 3.1%
See more majors
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions 2.3%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 0.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management $54,487
- 2. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $36,349
- 3. Music $33,368
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other $26,827
- 5. Visual and Performing Arts, Other $26,158
- 6. Computer Software and Media Applications $19,370
- 7. Dance $19,056
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Visual and Performing Arts, Other (Master's Degree) $47,453
- 2. Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Master's Degree) $37,439
- 3. Music (Master's Degree) $37,356
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (Master's Degree) $23,331
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management grads earn $54,487—186% more than Dance ($19,056). Graduate: Visual and Performing Arts, Other programs lead with $47,453 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Berklee College of Music. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Music (Master's Degree, 129 graduates)
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degree, 53 graduates)
- Dance (Bachelor's Degree, 45 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Bachelor's Degree, 33 graduates)
- Music (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 24 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dance
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Online Master's Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Music
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)▼
- Music
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)▼
- Music
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Computer Software and Media Applications
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 7,510
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 55.9%
- Female Students 44.1%
- Caucasian 39.2%
- Asian 5.8%
- Hispanic 12.7%
- Black 6.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 15.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Berklee College of Music's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Berklee College of Music's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Berklee College of Music support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Berklee College of Music, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Berklee College of Music has a diverse student body, with 39.2% identifying as White. About 15.4% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Berklee College of Music support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Berklee College of Music, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Berklee College of Music offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -86.9% ROI. Ranked #1832 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $50,404 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $26,462 median earnings. With 66.3% graduating within six years and 85.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Berklee College of Music's Positioning
With a C- grade and #1832 ranking, Berklee College of Music competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $50,404 annually, Berklee College of Music charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 85.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $35,283 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -86.9% ROI and $26,462 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $40,404+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Berklee College of Music ranks #1832 of 1966 institutions, with 1762 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 66.3% six-year graduation rate sits 3.8 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 85.4% first-year retention is 8.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -86.9% return on investment is 172.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $26,462 run about 39% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $50,404 is roughly $30,494 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 85.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 62.9% employment rate within three years sits 5.3 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $50,404 is about $30,494 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 15.4% trails the national share by 18.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Berklee College of Music is a private nonprofit university based in Boston, MA and earns a C- overall grade. It appears at #1832 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns B+, Support A-, Career Outcomes C-, and Affordability D-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 85.4% retention and 66.3% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -86.9%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $50,404 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $69,874.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $19,470 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 15.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $26,462 six years after entry. That sits about 39% below the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 62.9% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -86.9% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
49.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Berklee College of Music admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Boston, MA 02215
- Website www.berklee.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$406.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate11.7%