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Berklee College of Music vs University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Berklee College of Music is a private college in Boston, MA. University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a public university in Lowell, MA. Berklee College of Music admits about 44% of applicants and University of Massachusetts-Lowell about 83%, making Berklee College of Music the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,163 a year at University of Massachusetts-Lowell after aid, and about $49,465 at Berklee College of Music. About 67% of students graduate at both. Ten years after enrolling, University of Massachusetts-Lowell alumni earn a median of about $64,874, against $33,647 for Berklee College of Music.

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA · Private

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Boston, MA
Lowell, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,468
11,434
Acceptance rate
44%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.43–3.93
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1180–1370
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
25–32
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$49,465
$17,163
Full cost / yr
$72,700
$30,786
In-state tuition
$52,040
$16,966
Out-of-state tuition
$52,040
$36,264
Application fee
$150
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$42,734
$9,943
$30k - $48k
$37,987
$10,199
$48k - $75k
$47,799
$12,141
$75k - $110k
$46,801
$16,460
Over $110k
$54,676
$26,139
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
67%
Freshman retention
89%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$26,462
$61,467
Median earnings (10 yr)
$33,647
$64,874
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$23,704
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
30%
First-generation students
21%
32%
International students
32%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 5
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-Lowell harder to get into?
Berklee College of Music is harder to get into. It admits about 44% of applicants, compared with 83% at University of Massachusetts-Lowell. 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-Lowell?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,163 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-Lowell?
Before aid, University of Massachusetts-Lowell costs about $30,786 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-Lowell?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,943 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-Lowell?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell is the larger of the two, with about 11,434 undergraduates against 7,468 at Berklee College of Music.
Does Berklee College of Music or University of Massachusetts-Lowell have a better graduation rate?
Both graduate about 67% of their students.
Do graduates of Berklee College of Music or University of Massachusetts-Lowell earn more?
University of Massachusetts-Lowell alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,874 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-Lowell 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-Lowell considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.

Related comparisons

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