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Berklee College of Music (BCM) is an esteemed non-profit institution known for offering degree and diploma programs across several aspects of performance art such as music, dance, and even musical therapy. Students attend Berklee to gain comprehensive educational preparation to enter successful careers within the industry.
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Overview of Berklee College of Music (BCM)
At BCM, students have an incredible opportunity to advance their skills and knowledge across many aspects of music-related fields. Berklee provides a dynamic curriculum which explores contemporary music, popular music, technology applications for musicians, career connections in the industry as well as opportunities for self-exploration within the evolving musical industry.
BCM stands as an unparalleled leader in music education, drawing together an intrepid and ambitious community of students from around the globe. Berklee prides itself on its dedication to inclusivity - welcoming transfer students, first-time students, international students, and creating a supportive environment for all its students. Berklee provides exceptional training that blends practical training, creativity, and professionalism for all its on-campus and online student musicians, from young aspiring artists to established artists alike. Boasting exceptional faculty members, state-of-the-art facilities, and the vibrant music scene in Boston - Berklee truly offers an exceptional experience for aspiring musicians.
General Information
School Type | Private not-for-profit |
---|---|
Campus Setting | City: Large |
Campus Housing | Yes |
Student Faculty Ratio | 10:1 |
Graduation Rate | 69% |
Year Founded | 1945 |
Student Enrollment
Total Students8,282
7,499
783
Undergraduate Student
Male 4,274
Female 3,225
Graduate Student
Male 446
Female 337
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Top Rankings For Berklee College of Music
BCM Acceptance Rate and Admissions
APPLICATIONS7,286
ACCEPTANCE3,934
Acceptance Rate54%
Enrollment 1,613
Admissions | |
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Application Fee | $150 |
High School GPA | Required To Be Considered |
High School Rank | Not Required, But Considered |
High School Transcripts | Required To Be Considered |
College Prep Courses | Not Considered |
Recommendations | Not Required, But Considered |
Formal demonstration of competencies | Required To Be Considered |
Work experience | Not Required, But Considered |
Personal statement or essay | Not Required, But Considered |
Legacy status | Not Considered |
SAT/ACT | Not Considered |
Other Test (Wonderlic,WISC-III,etc) | Not Considered |
English Proficiency Test | Required To Be Considered |
Application Deadline | January 15 |
Common Application Accepted | No |
BCM Tuition Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition fees at Berklee College of Music differ based on program and level of study, with undergraduate tuition for full-time students set at $48,330 for the 2022-23 academic year. Students should also consider expenses such as room and board, textbooks, lab or technology fees, and personal living costs when determining total cost of attendance.
BCM provides payment plans that make tuition more manageable, helping families spread tuition costs out throughout the year and easing financial strain. Furthermore, Berklee recognizes financial challenges many students experience and offers various resources, such as student loans and support for low-income students. BCM provides tuition waivers through scholarships and financial aid for eligible students. Scholarships may be merit-, talent-, or need-based and cover either part or the full cost of tuition. The Financial Aid Department is available to help cover those demonstrating financial need and meet tuition expenses and related costs.
Note that each student's financial situation varies, so eligibility for tuition waivers and financial aid depends on individual circumstances. Therefore, we encourage prospective students to explore the various scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs at BCM to determine what options may be available to them. Those who made use of financial aid in the 2021-22 academic year paid an average net price of $46,873.
Average net price | 2021-2022 |
---|---|
Net Price | $46,873 |
Average Total Aid | $19,300 |
Students Receiving Financial Aid | 67% |
Room & Board | $19,010 |
Sticker Price
- Tuition In-State - $48,330
- Tuition Out-of-State - $48,330
- Books and Supplies - $1,000
- Room & Board - $19,010
- Other - $2,280
Popular Academic Programs at BCM
At Berklee College of Music, students can pursue undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and certificate courses in music with an emphasis on practical hands-on learning. Berklee’s programs aim to prepare students for successful careers in the music industry.
BCM offers undergraduate degree programs that span an expansive selection of musical disciplines including performance, songwriting, music management and business, music teacher education, and more. Students study with world-class faculty who are all experienced professionals in their fields; the school’s comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum gives students a solid grounding in music theory, ear training, and improvisation - all while giving them space to specialize in the areas they find most fascinating.
BCM can boast of having produced many notable alumni who have experienced tremendous success in the music industry, such as Grammy-nominated songwriter Makeba Riddick who has collaborated with artists such as Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez; as well as Tony Award-winning composer/arranger Alex Lacamoire known for his work on hit musicals like Hamilton, Into the Heights, and Dear Evan Hansen.
BCM provides its students with a comprehensive and practical music education that equips them to pursue successful careers in the industry. Their emphasis on experiential learning coupled with an outstanding group of faculty and alumni make Berklee an excellent choice for aspiring musicians or music professionals.
Retention
Rate
4 year
Graduation
Rate
6 year
Graduation
Rate
Student Population Total
Student Population 8,282
7,499
783
Most Popular Programs & Majors
(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)
Visual and Performing Arts | 824 Total Graduates / 61% |
---|---|
Music, Other | 226 Graduates |
Music Performance, General | 174 Graduates |
Music Theory and Composition | 174 Graduates |
Music Management | 164 Graduates |
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services | 335 Total Graduates / 25% |
Computer Software and Media Applications, Other | 335 Graduates |
Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians | 143 Total Graduates / 11% |
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other | 143 Graduates |
Health Professions and Related Programs | 34 Total Graduates / 3% |
Music Therapy/Therapist | 34 Graduates |
Education | 13 Total Graduates / 1% |
Music Teacher Education | 13 Graduates |
All Other Diplomas | 0% |
Outcome & Salary
Berklee College of Music boasts outstanding job placement statistics for graduates, with many going on to successful music careers upon graduating from their music programs. Berklee prides itself on preparing students for today's ever-evolving music industry by equipping them with essential knowledge, skills, and connections.
Graduates from Berklee have access to an abundance of career opportunities across a range of musical genres and approaches. Berklee's curriculum introduces students to numerous genres such as jazz, pop, rock, electronica, classical, and world music. This exposure allows graduates to develop their individual musical style while equipping them with versatility for excelling across genres.
BCM also stands out as an invaluable networking opportunity, with renowned faculty and alumni such as Quincy Jones, John Mayer, Esperanza Spalding, and many more renowned industry figures being among its alumni network. These connections provide students with mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and potential career openings after they graduate. Berklee's strong industry connections and reputation allow graduates to access exclusive job placement programs, internships, and performance opportunities that greatly increase their odds of finding meaningful employment and creating successful musical careers.
Berklee education equips graduates not only with technical abilities, but also provides them with an in-depth knowledge of business and entrepreneurial aspects of the music industry. This comprehensive training allows them to excel in an increasingly competitive industry.
Graduates Salary | |
---|---|
College Grads Early Career Salary | $52,700 |
College Grads Average Salary | $66,000 |
College Grads Mid Career Salary | $94,800 |
Return on Investment (ROI) | |
---|---|
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential | $660,000 |
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential | $1,608,000 |
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year | $187,492 |
10 Year Projected ROI | $472,508 |
20 Year Projected ROI | $1,420,508 |
No College Education Salary Comparison | |
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National Average Salary | $38,792 |
10 Year Projected Income | $387,920 |
20 Year Projected Income | $775,840 |
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