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Berklee College of Music vs Tufts University

Berklee College of Music is a private college in Boston, MA, and Tufts University is a private university in Medford, MA. Tufts University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% of applicants against 44% at Berklee College of Music. Tufts University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $39,998 a year against $49,465 at Berklee College of Music. About 93% of students graduate at Tufts University, compared with 67% at Berklee College of Music. Ten years after enrolling, Tufts University alumni earn a median of about $83,214, against $33,647 for Berklee College of Music.

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA · Private

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Medford, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,468
7,061
Acceptance rate
44%
11%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1470–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,465
$39,998
Full cost / yr
$72,700
$88,300
In-state tuition
$52,040
$70,704
Out-of-state tuition
$52,040
$70,704
Application fee
$150
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$42,734
$11,284
$30k - $48k
$37,987
$9,811
$48k - $75k
$47,799
$14,923
$75k - $110k
$46,801
$23,311
Over $110k
$54,676
$58,570
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
93%
Freshman retention
89%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,462
$68,337
Median earnings (10 yr)
$33,647
$83,214
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$16,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
12%
First-generation students
21%
15%
International students
32%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 2
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 Tufts University harder to get into?
Tufts University is harder to get into. It admits about 11% 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 Tufts University?
Tufts University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $39,998 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 Tufts University?
Before aid, Berklee College of Music costs about $72,700 a year and Tufts University about $88,300. 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 Tufts University?
Tufts University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,284 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 Tufts University?
Berklee College of Music is the larger of the two, with about 7,468 undergraduates against 7,061 at Tufts University.
Does Berklee College of Music or Tufts University have a better graduation rate?
Tufts University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 67% at Berklee College of Music.
Do graduates of Berklee College of Music or Tufts University earn more?
Tufts University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $83,214 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 Tufts University require SAT or ACT scores?
Berklee College of Music is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Tufts University 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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