Skip to content

Berklee College of Music vs University of Massachusetts-Boston

Berklee College of Music is a private college in Boston, MA, and University of Massachusetts-Boston is a public university in Boston, MA. Berklee College of Music is the more selective of the two, admitting about 44% of applicants against 84% at University of Massachusetts-Boston. University of Massachusetts-Boston is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,707 a year against $49,465 at Berklee College of Music. About 67% of students graduate at Berklee College of Music, compared with 50% at University of Massachusetts-Boston. Ten years after enrolling, University of Massachusetts-Boston alumni earn a median of about $65,865, against $33,647 for Berklee College of Music.

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA · Private

University of Massachusetts-Boston

Boston, MA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Boston, MA
Boston, MA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,468
11,512
Acceptance rate
44%
84%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1070–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
22–29
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,465
$17,707
Full cost / yr
$72,700
$30,544
In-state tuition
$52,040
$15,908
Out-of-state tuition
$52,040
$38,125
Application fee
$150
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$42,734
$14,070
$30k - $48k
$37,987
$13,558
$48k - $75k
$47,799
$15,663
$75k - $110k
$46,801
$20,885
Over $110k
$54,676
$25,571
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
50%
Freshman retention
89%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,462
$53,521
Median earnings (10 yr)
$33,647
$65,865
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$21,974
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
42%
First-generation students
21%
43%
International students
32%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Feb 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston harder to get into?
Berklee College of Music is harder to get into. It admits about 44% of applicants, compared with 84% at University of Massachusetts-Boston. 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston?
University of Massachusetts-Boston is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,707 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston?
Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Boston costs about $30,544 a year and Berklee College of Music about $72,700. 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston?
University of Massachusetts-Boston. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,070 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston?
University of Massachusetts-Boston is the larger of the two, with about 11,512 undergraduates against 7,468 at Berklee College of Music.
Does Berklee College of Music or University of Massachusetts-Boston have a better graduation rate?
Berklee College of Music has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 50% at University of Massachusetts-Boston.
Do graduates of Berklee College of Music or University of Massachusetts-Boston earn more?
University of Massachusetts-Boston alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,865 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 University of Massachusetts-Boston require SAT or ACT scores?
Berklee College of Music is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Massachusetts-Boston considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school