Berklee College of Music
Berklee School of Music
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for computer science
Berklee College of Music is a private urban institution in Boston, Massachusetts. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A mid-sized campus of 7.5K undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
66% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $33,647 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $50,404.
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •Initial enrollment was fewer than 50 students, but by 1949 there were more than 500 students.
- •Berklee School of Music (1954–1970) Lawrence Berk emphasized learning from practitioners, as opposed to academics, and generally hired working musicians as faculty members.
- •In 1956, trumpeter Herb Pomeroy joined the faculty and remained until his retirement in 1996.
- •Drummer Alan Dawson and saxophonist Charlie Mariano became faculty members in 1957.
Source: Wikipedia
Notable Alumni
Quincy Jones
Legendary producer and composer
John Mayer
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist
St. Vincent (Annie Clark)
Grammy Award-winning musician and producer
Esperanza Spalding
Grammy Award-winning jazz bassist and vocalist
Melissa Etheridge
Grammy Award-winning rock musician
Natalie Maines
Lead singer of The Chicks
Howard Shore
Oscar-winning film composer (Lord of the Rings)
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Action
November 1
Decision by January 31
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by March 31
Reply by May 1
SAT/ACT scores optional for admission.
Berklee-specific essays and creative statement required.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
January 15
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Need-blind for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
67.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.4%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,750
Academics
View all 12 majors›
Programs (25)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
After Graduation
Top Employers
Top Graduate Schools
Top Industries
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
85%
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
57
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average + large city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Amtrak
Back Bay Station (10-minute walk) and South Station (15 minutes by T).
Walkability
Urban campus in Boston's Back Bay; highly walkable neighborhood with excellent access to Boston's cultural venues.
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Symphony Hallwalkable
Home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, world-renowned acoustics.
Fenway Parkwalkable
Historic home of the Boston Red Sox.
Museum of Fine Artswalkable
One of the largest art museums in the United States.
Newbury Streetwalkable
Shopping, dining, and entertainment district.
Boston Commonwalkable
Historic public park in downtown Boston.
Days out near Boston
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Boston, from real bookable tour times.
- Merrimack College · Southern New Hampshire UniversityTwo states46 days
- Gordon College · Northeastern UniversityBig and small44 days
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst CollegeBig and small24 days