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Berklee College of Music vs The New England Conservatory of Music

Berklee College of Music is a private college in Boston, MA. The New England Conservatory of Music is a private university in Boston, MA. The New England Conservatory of Music admits about 41% of applicants and Berklee College of Music about 44%, making The New England Conservatory of Music the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $46,754 a year at The New England Conservatory of Music after aid, and about $49,465 at Berklee College of Music. About 76% of students graduate at The New England Conservatory of Music, compared with 67% at Berklee College of Music. Ten years after enrolling, The New England Conservatory of Music alumni earn a median of about $34,483, against $33,647 for Berklee College of Music.

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA · Private

The New England Conservatory of Music

Boston, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,468
393
Acceptance rate
44%
41%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,465
$46,754
Full cost / yr
$72,700
$81,277
In-state tuition
$52,040
$60,750
Out-of-state tuition
$52,040
$60,750
Application fee
$150
$125
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$42,734
$47,882
$30k - $48k
$37,987
$44,882
$48k - $75k
$47,799
$45,625
$75k - $110k
$46,801
$45,608
Over $110k
$54,676
$47,387
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
76%
Freshman retention
89%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,462
$18,830
Median earnings (10 yr)
$33,647
$34,483
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
7%
First-generation students
21%
Not reported
International students
32%
43%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Dec 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 The New England Conservatory of Music harder to get into?
The New England Conservatory of Music 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 The New England Conservatory of Music?
The New England Conservatory of Music is cheaper on average. Students pay about $46,754 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 The New England Conservatory of Music?
Before aid, Berklee College of Music costs about $72,700 a year and The New England Conservatory of Music about $81,277. 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 The New England Conservatory of Music?
Berklee College of Music. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $42,734 there, against about $47,882 at The New England Conservatory 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 The New England Conservatory of Music?
Berklee College of Music is the larger of the two, with about 7,468 undergraduates against 393 at The New England Conservatory of Music.
Does Berklee College of Music or The New England Conservatory of Music have a better graduation rate?
The New England Conservatory of Music has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 67% at Berklee College of Music.
Do graduates of Berklee College of Music or The New England Conservatory of Music earn more?
The New England Conservatory of Music alumni earn more on average: a median of about $34,483 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 The New England Conservatory of Music require SAT or ACT scores?
Berklee College of Music is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. The New England Conservatory of Music is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Related comparisons

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