Curtis Institute of Music
Curtis Institute of Music is a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, PA ranked #78 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A, enrolling about 109 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 4.6%. Students most often pursue STEM innovation.
Academically, students benefit from a 2:1 student-faculty ratio, 100.0% first-year retention, and 96.2% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $31,201. That's about $12,487 below national results. It's a compelling fit for ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Curtis Institute of Music has an acceptance rate of 4.6%, annual tuition of $0, and a national rank of #78 (Grade A), with a 96.2% six-year graduation rate, about 109 undergraduates, and median earnings of $31,201 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Curtis Institute 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
Curtis Institute of Music graduates 96.2% of students within six years and keeps 100.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Curtis Institute 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 | $0 |
| Books and Supplies | $4,530 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $21,035 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,892 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | Not reported |
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 0.9% of Curtis Institute of Music students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $31,201
- 10-Year Median Earnings $31,201
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt Not reported
- Repayment Rate (3yr) Not reported
- Employment Rate Not reported
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Curtis Institute 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.
Curtis Institute of Music vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Curtis Institute of Music's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Curtis Institute of Music's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
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 109
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 100.0%
- Graduation Rate 96.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 2:1
How to Get Into Curtis Institute of Music
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Curtis Institute 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 4.6%, Curtis Institute of Music is extremely 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: With a 4.6% acceptance rate, Curtis Institute of Music is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Curtis Institute of Music undergraduates. Music draws the most students.
- Music 100.0%
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Curtis Institute 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 (Bachelor's Degree, 31 graduates)
- Music (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 18 graduates)
- Music (Master's Degree, 3 graduates)
- Music (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 1 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 (1 program)▼
- Music
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Music
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Music
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Music
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 109
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 52.3%
- Female Students 47.7%
- Caucasian 26.6%
- Asian 13.8%
- Hispanic 2.8%
- Black 1.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 0.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Curtis Institute of Music's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Curtis Institute of Music's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Curtis Institute of Music support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Curtis Institute of Music, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Curtis Institute of Music has a diverse student body, with 26.6% identifying as White. About 0.9% 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 Curtis Institute of Music support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Curtis Institute of Music, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #78 nationally, Curtis Institute of Music combines competitive admissions with 0.0% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $31,201 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 96.2% six-year rates, with 100.0% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $0 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 0 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: Curtis Institute of Music's Market Position
A grade | #78 of 6101 | 96.0/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: Curtis Institute of Music occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The 0.0% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $0 annually produces $31,201 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing Curtis Institute of Music should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: Curtis Institute of Music's #78 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 0 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 96.2% six-year graduation rate sits 33.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 100.0% first-year retention is 23.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $31,201 run about 29% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- 2:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
- 4.6% admission rate signals a welcoming, mission-driven review process.
Helpfulness for Students
- 2:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 100.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Pell participation at 0.9% trails the national share by 38.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Curtis Institute of Music—a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, PA—at A overall. It is currently ranked #78 nationally Completion earns A+, Support A+, Career Outcomes C+, and Affordability C.
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.
About 100.0% of first-year students return, and roughly 96.2% finish within six years. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
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
Review the charts above for a breakdown of tuition, aid, and typical expenses.
Aid awards vary by student profile, so completing the net price calculator is the best next step.
Federal loan data is not available for this institution.
About 0.9% 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
Median earnings come in near $31,201 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 29% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
4.6% 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 Curtis Institute 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Curtis Institute of Music's acceptance rate?
Curtis Institute of Music's acceptance rate is 4.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Curtis Institute of Music cost?
At Curtis Institute of Music, listed tuition and fees are $0 per year. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Curtis Institute of Music's ranking?
Curtis Institute of Music ranks #78 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Curtis Institute of Music's graduation rate?
At Curtis Institute of Music, the six-year graduation rate is 96.2%, and first-year retention is 100.0%.
What are Curtis Institute of Music's job outcomes?
Graduates of Curtis Institute of Music report median earnings of $31,201 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Curtis Institute of Music's student population?
Curtis Institute of Music enrolls about 109 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Website www.curtis.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$206.9M