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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

Testing

Not considered

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

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Berklee College of Music admitted 43.5% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s selective. Fewer than half of the students who apply get in.

The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Berklee College of Music actually rewards, then 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

Here’s what to send, and when.

  • TestingNot considered

Verified from berklee.edu.

The essays

Here are the supplemental essay prompts.

The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll 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 will you actually pay?

The sticker price is about $72,700. That isn’t 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.

Academics

These are the most popular majors.

  • Music39% of degrees
  • Computer Software and Media Applications28% of degrees
  • Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other13% of degrees
  • Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management10% of degrees
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft4% of degrees
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions3% of degrees

Campus life

Here’s 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

What do people ask about Berklee College of Music?

Is Berklee College of Music test-optional?
For the current cycle, standardized testing at Berklee College of Music is not considered.
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. After aid, families pay $49,465 on average.
Is Berklee College of Music worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $33,647 ten years after enrolling. 67% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s 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.