Berklee College of Music
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.
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.
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.
One email when Spike opens. No card, no account. About the waitlist.