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Berklee College of Music vs Boston College

Berklee College of Music is a private college in Boston, MA, and Boston College is a private college in Chestnut Hill, MA. Boston College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 16% of applicants against 44% at Berklee College of Music. Boston College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $41,704 a year against $49,465 at Berklee College of Music. About 91% of students graduate at Boston College, compared with 67% at Berklee College of Music. Ten years after enrolling, Boston College alumni earn a median of about $103,937, against $33,647 for Berklee College of Music.

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA · Private

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Chestnut Hill, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,468
10,085
Acceptance rate
44%
16%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1440–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,465
$41,704
Full cost / yr
$72,700
$89,493
In-state tuition
$52,040
$70,702
Out-of-state tuition
$52,040
$70,702
Application fee
$150
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$42,734
$4,284
$30k - $48k
$37,987
$7,304
$48k - $75k
$47,799
$13,112
$75k - $110k
$46,801
$19,999
Over $110k
$54,676
$60,308
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
91%
Freshman retention
89%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,462
$85,717
Median earnings (10 yr)
$33,647
$103,937
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$19,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
13%
First-generation students
21%
13%
International students
32%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 4

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Berklee College of Music or Boston College harder to get into?
Boston College is harder to get into. It admits about 16% of applicants, compared with 44% at Berklee College of Music. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Berklee College of Music or Boston College?
Boston College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $41,704 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $49,465 at Berklee College of Music. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Berklee College of Music and Boston College?
Before aid, Berklee College of Music costs about $72,700 a year and Boston College about $89,493. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Berklee College of Music or Boston College?
Boston College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,284 there, against about $42,734 at Berklee College of Music. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Berklee College of Music or Boston College?
Boston College is the larger of the two, with about 10,085 undergraduates against 7,468 at Berklee College of Music.
Does Berklee College of Music or Boston College have a better graduation rate?
Boston College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 67% at Berklee College of Music.
Do graduates of Berklee College of Music or Boston College earn more?
Boston College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $103,937 ten years after enrolling, against about $33,647 for Berklee College of Music. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Berklee College of Music and Boston College require SAT or ACT scores?
Berklee College of Music is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Boston College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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