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Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA · Private · 7,468 students

The Boston campus offers studios, dorms, and practice spaces for students.

Acceptance rate

43.5%

Avg net price

$49,465

after aid

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and Berklee College of Music’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. Berklee College of Music admitted 43.5% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Berklee College of Music actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

What they value

Built for Creative Careers

Berklee prepares musicians and performing artists for the reality of professional creative work, developing skills, connections, and adaptability that sustain careers over decades, not just launch them.

Hands-on learning, industry-driven projects, and credit-bearing internships are built directly into the curriculum.

  • Undergraduate ProgramsBachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry Leadership and Innovation),
  • Graduate ProgramsMaster of Music, Master of Arts (Boston, NYC, Valencia)
  • Online OfferingsBachelor of Arts, Master of Music, Master of Arts, Certificates, 200+ Courses

Verified from berklee.edu and online.berklee.edu and online.berklee.edu and berklee.edu and college.berklee.edu and college.berklee.edu and college.berklee.edu and college.berklee.edu and berklee.edu.

Applying

Requirements and deadlines

    Verified from berklee.edu.

    The essays

    Supplemental essay prompts

    The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

    • A cover letter expressing your understanding of the program and your career goals.

    Every prompt, with how to approach each →

    Verified from berklee.edu.

    Cost and aid

    What you will actually pay

    The sticker price is about $72,700, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $49,465.

    Berklee offers financial aid and scholarships, with automatic consideration for merit-based scholarships during the audition and/or interview process.

    Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $33,647.

    Verified from berklee.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

    Campus life

    The feel of the place

    In Boston, students can explore studios, dorms, and practice spaces, or take a student-led campus tour.

    EntrepreneurialGlobal

    Quick answers

    Berklee College of Music FAQ

    How hard is it to get into Berklee College of Music?
    Very hard. Berklee College of Music admits 43.5% of applicants. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
    How much does Berklee College of Music cost?
    The list price is about $72,700, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $49,465.
    Is Berklee College of Music worth it?
    Graduates earn a median of $33,647 ten years after enrolling, and 67% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

    Launching soon

    Ask Spike anything about Berklee College of Music.

    Spike answers from Berklee College of Music’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.