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Berklee College of Music vs Brandeis University

Berklee College of Music is a private college in Boston, MA. Brandeis University is a private university in Waltham, MA. Brandeis University admits about 41% of applicants and Berklee College of Music about 44%, making Brandeis University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $35,736 a year at Brandeis University after aid, and about $49,465 at Berklee College of Music. About 86% of students graduate at Brandeis University, compared with 67% at Berklee College of Music. Ten years after enrolling, Brandeis University alumni earn a median of about $77,231, against $33,647 for Berklee College of Music.

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA · Private

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Waltham, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,468
3,618
Acceptance rate
44%
41%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1390–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,465
$35,736
Full cost / yr
$72,700
$86,448
In-state tuition
$52,040
$68,080
Out-of-state tuition
$52,040
$68,080
Application fee
$150
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$42,734
$13,363
$30k - $48k
$37,987
$15,135
$48k - $75k
$47,799
$20,536
$75k - $110k
$46,801
$26,784
Over $110k
$54,676
$54,885
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
86%
Freshman retention
89%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,462
$52,967
Median earnings (10 yr)
$33,647
$77,231
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$25,648
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
15%
First-generation students
21%
16%
International students
32%
19%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 2
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 2
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

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 Brandeis University harder to get into?
Brandeis University is harder to get into. It admits about 41% 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 Brandeis University?
Brandeis University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $35,736 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 Brandeis University?
Before aid, Berklee College of Music costs about $72,700 a year and Brandeis University about $86,448. 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 Brandeis University?
Brandeis University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,363 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 Brandeis University?
Berklee College of Music is the larger of the two, with about 7,468 undergraduates against 3,618 at Brandeis University.
Does Berklee College of Music or Brandeis University have a better graduation rate?
Brandeis University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 67% at Berklee College of Music.
Do graduates of Berklee College of Music or Brandeis University earn more?
Brandeis University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,231 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 Brandeis University require SAT or ACT scores?
Berklee College of Music is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Brandeis University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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