Berklee College of Music, founded in 1945 in Boston, Massachusetts, is the world's premier institution for contemporary music education. Ranked #1 for music and performing arts, it attracts students globally for its innovative programs in performance, production, and songwriting.
The campus features cutting-edge recording studios, performance venues, and technology labs. Its urban location in Boston provides access to a thriving music scene, internships, and industry partnerships.
Berklee College of Music Acceptance Rate
Berklee College of Music is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Berklee College of Music is 49.91%. This means that 50 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Berklee College of Music Admission Requirements
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Berklee College of Music (Berklee School of Music) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Berklee School of Music Profile
Name: Berklee College of Music (Berklee School of Music)
City: Boston
URL: www.berklee.edu/
State: Massachusetts
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 2215
Campus: Main
Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
Can I Get Into Berklee School of Music Without SAT Or ACT?: Berklee College of Music does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Does a degree from Berklee School of Music Worth It?
Getting into Berklee School of Music can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Berklee School of Music offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Berklee School of Music is USD: 77216.67 and unemployment rate is 3.07%.
How much does a degree from Berklee School of Music Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Berklee College of Music is USD: 69874. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Berklee College of Music is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
15.36% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 32.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Berklee School of Music and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Berklee College of Music, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Berklee School of Music as your choice in the form.
How much a Berklee School of Music Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 33647. An average Berklee School of Music graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Dance
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Music
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Visual and Performing Arts
Masters Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Berklee College of Music Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $33647 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $69874 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Berklee College of Music is 49.91 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Berklee College of Music.
Last Updated: Saturday February 07, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.