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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.


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

Undergraduate
7,499
Graduate
783

Undergraduate Student

Male 4,274
4,274
Female 3,225
3,225

Graduate Student

Male 446
446
Female 337
337

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Top Rankings For Berklee College of Music


BCM Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS7,286

Male 3,549
Female 3,736

ACCEPTANCE3,934

Male 2,058
Female 1,868

Acceptance Rate54%

Male 58%
Female 50%

Enrollment 1,613

Male 885
Female 729
Admissions
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.

Student Population Total


Student Population 8,282

Undergraduate
7,499
Graduate
783
Evening Classes : No
Online Learning : Yes

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
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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