Berklee College of Music Overview

Berklee College of Music is a four-year, medium full-time , selective, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Boston, MA. It has an enrollment of 7,126 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 55.17%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $45,467. Tuition is $46,800.00 without financial aid.

Berklee College of Music is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Berklee College of Music, 82.03% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Berklee College of Music has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1.

Berklee College of Music Website

Berklee College of Music Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 55.17%.

SAT or ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

• The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

Berklee College of Music Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $45,467.

The average tuition is:

• $40,060, when family income is less than $30,000

• $37,626, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $37,964, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $46,041, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $50,969, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 30.76% of students received a federal student loan and 17.60% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $46,800.00 without financial aid.

Berklee College of Music Net Price Calculator

Berklee College of Music Majors/Salaries

Berklee College of Music has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Berklee College of Music here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Dance. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,964
• Music. (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) – $16,478
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,162
• Music. (Master’s Degree) – $25,194
• Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,914
• Visual and Performing Arts, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $16,786
• Visual and Performing Arts, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $34,704

Berklee College of Music Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Berklee College of Music

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.15%
• Asian: 5.49%
• Black: 6.65%
• Hispanic: 12.29%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.17%
• Non-resident alien: 25.46%
• Two or more races: 5.18%
• Unknown: 1.57%
• White: 43.04%

At Berklee College of Music, 18.42% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Berklee College of Music Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Berklee College of Music?

Berklee College of Music is well known for its vibrant and diverse student community, and school spirit is an integral part of campus life. Students and faculty alike take pride in the college’s rich history and renowned musical legacy, which has produced numerous successful artists across a variety of genres. The campus hosts many events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, performances, and music festivals, which help to foster a strong sense of community and camaraderie among students. Additionally, Berklee’s athletic teams, the Berklee Lions and Lady Lions, also contribute to the school spirit by competing in various intercollegiate competitions throughout the year.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Berklee College of Music?

Berklee College of Music emphasizes student involvement in extracurricular activities. Some popular extracurriculars at Berklee College of Music include student clubs and organizations, performances and gigs on and off-campus throughout the year, community service projects and initiatives, music workshops, and masterclasses. There are also plenty of opportunities for students to perform and create music with their peers, whether through small ensembles or large ensembles such as Berklee’s famous big bands and other groupings. Students have access to numerous recording studios, practice facilities, rehearsal rooms, and a variety of music production software, which allows them to experiment with different sounds and techniques.

How are the food choices at Berklee College of Music?

Berklee College of Music offers a diverse range of dining options for its students. The main dining hall, The Caf, is home to a variety of food stations, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal options, as well as a salad bar and a grill. The college has also partnered with local restaurants to offer more food choices, and there are several cafes and grab-and-go options located throughout the campus. Additionally, Berklee has a tradition of hosting food truck festivals that feature a wide range of cuisine options. Overall, students indicate that the food choices at Berklee are above average compared to other universities.

Is there Greek life at Berklee College of Music?

No, Berklee College of Music does not have a Greek life system. However, there are many student organizations and clubs available to join, such as the Music Therapy Club, Women’s Choir, and Songwriting Club, among others.

What is Berklee College of Music known for?

Berklee College of Music is a private music college located in Boston, Massachusetts, known for its focus on contemporary music styles, including jazz, rock, pop, electronic, and film scoring. The college is specifically renowned for its music production and technology programs, which is focused on preparing students for music production, recording, and live sound engineering careers. Another notable aspect of Berklee College of Music is its notable alumni, which includes Quincy Jones, John Mayer, Esperanza Spalding, and many other successful musicians.

What are the most popular school clubs at Berklee College of Music?

At Berklee College of Music, some of the most popular school clubs include: 1. Berklee Songwriters Club 2. Music Business Club 3. Electronic Production and Design Club 4. Berklee Recording Engineers and Producers Club 5. Jazz Composition Club 6. Gospel Choir 7. Berklee Indian Ensemble 8. Acappella Council 9. Film Scoring Network 10. Women in Music Network. These are just a few examples of the many clubs and organizations available to students at Berklee College of Music.

Is the campus at Berklee College of Music safe?

Berklee College of Music is located in the center of Boston, Massachusetts, which is generally a safe city. The college takes safety measures seriously and has a full-time Berklee College of Music Department of Public Safety, which provides 24/7 campus security services to the Berklee community. The campus is equipped with security cameras, a campus-wide emergency alert system, and a well-lit environment to ensure the safety of its students, faculty, and staff. However, like any urban campus, it’s always a good idea for students to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to stay safe.