The New England Conservatory of Music, founded in 1867 in Boston, is the oldest independent conservatory in the U.S. and a global leader in music education. NEC's Jordan Hall, a National Historic Landmark, is renowned for its acoustics and hosts 600+ performances annually. The conservatory offers programs in classical, jazz, and contemporary improvisation, with a 4:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized mentorship. NEC's dual degree program with Harvard allows students to combine intensive music training with liberal arts studies. With alumni occupying principal chairs in major orchestras worldwide and multiple Grammy winners among its faculty, NEC maintains its position at the forefront of musical excellence. The conservatory's recent $55 million campaign has expanded financial aid and community engagement programs, reinforcing its mission to educate and inspire through music.
The New England Conservatory of Music Acceptance Rate
The New England Conservatory of Music is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of The New England Conservatory of Music is 42.75%. This means that 43 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 .
The New England Conservatory of Music Admission Requirements
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The New England Conservatory 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.
The New England Conservatory of Music Profile
Name: The New England Conservatory of Music
City: Boston
State: Massachusetts
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 02115-5018
Campus: Main
Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
Can I Get Into The New England Conservatory of Music Without SAT Or ACT?: The New England Conservatory 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 The New England Conservatory of Music Worth It?
Getting into The New England Conservatory 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. The New England Conservatory 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 The New England Conservatory of Music is USD: 79026.66 and unemployment rate is 3.11%.
How much does a degree from The New England Conservatory of Music Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at The New England Conservatory of Music is USD: 77870. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at The New England Conservatory of Music is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
7.52% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 25.49 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to The New England Conservatory of Music and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At The New England Conservatory 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 The New England Conservatory of Music as your choice in the form.
How much a The New England Conservatory of Music Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 34483. An average The New England Conservatory 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
- Music
Masters Degree Programs
- Music
Doctoral Degree Programs
- Music
Post-baccalaureate Certificate Programs
- Music
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
- Music
Professional Certificate Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About The New England Conservatory of Music Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $34483 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $77870 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 The New England Conservatory of Music is 42.75 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 The New England Conservatory 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.