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Berklee College of Music vs Harvard University

Berklee College of Music is a private college in Boston, MA. Harvard University is a private university in Cambridge, MA. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants and Berklee College of Music about 44%, making Harvard University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,066 a year at Harvard University after aid, and about $49,465 at Berklee College of Music. About 97% of students graduate at Harvard University, compared with 67% at Berklee College of Music. Ten years after enrolling, Harvard University alumni earn a median of about $101,817, against $33,647 for Berklee College of Music.

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA · Private

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Cambridge, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,468
7,601
Acceptance rate
44%
4%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1510–1580
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
34–36
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,465
$19,066
Full cost / yr
$72,700
$85,540
In-state tuition
$52,040
$61,676
Out-of-state tuition
$52,040
$61,676
Application fee
$150
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$42,734
$8,697
$30k - $48k
$37,987
$2,991
$48k - $75k
$47,799
$2,091
$75k - $110k
$46,801
$9,941
Over $110k
$54,676
$53,337
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
97%
Freshman retention
89%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,462
$99,572
Median earnings (10 yr)
$33,647
$101,817
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$14,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
16%
First-generation students
21%
26%
International students
32%
15%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 1

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 Harvard University harder to get into?
Harvard University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% 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 Harvard University?
Harvard University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,066 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 Harvard University?
Before aid, Berklee College of Music costs about $72,700 a year and Harvard University about $85,540. 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 Harvard University?
Harvard University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,697 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 Harvard University?
Harvard University is the larger of the two, with about 7,601 undergraduates against 7,468 at Berklee College of Music.
Does Berklee College of Music or Harvard University have a better graduation rate?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 67% at Berklee College of Music.
Do graduates of Berklee College of Music or Harvard University earn more?
Harvard University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $101,817 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 Harvard University require SAT or ACT scores?
Berklee College of Music is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Harvard University requires SAT or ACT scores.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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