Quick Facts
Leading private college of contemporary music
Location
Boston, MA (Fenway/Back Bay)
Degrees
Certificates, Bachelor's, Master's
Popular Majors
Music Performance, Songwriting, Music Production & Engineering, Music Business, Composition, Film Scoring, Electronic Production
Total Students	Undergrad Students
8,000	7,000
Tuition (2025-2026)	Room and Board
$52,000	$20,000
Selectivity	Average Net Price *
Moderately Selective (~50% acceptance rate)	$48,000
Distance from Boston	School Website
In Boston
* Average Net Price is the actual average cost to students for attending the college. This is calculated by adding the cost of attendance (tuition, fees and room and board where applicable) and subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional grant or scholarship aid.

Berklee College of Music, founded in 1945, is the world's premier institution for contemporary music education. Located in Boston's vibrant Fenway/Back Bay area, Berklee serves approximately 8,000 students from over 100 countries with innovative programs spanning performance, composition, production, business, and technology. The college's hands-on approach and industry connections prepare graduates for successful careers in today's global music landscape.

Berklee offers over 12 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs, with excellence in performance, songwriting, production, music business, film scoring, and electronic music.

The college emphasizes experiential learning through ensembles, recording studios, internships, and collaborations with industry professionals.

Graduate programs focus on advanced training in performance, composition, production, and music business.

Berklee fields NCAA Division III teams in basketball, soccer, tennis, and other sports.

The urban Boston campus features state-of-the-art performance venues, studios, and easy access to the city's music scene.

Contents

Academics>

Admission>

Career Outcomes>

Campus>

Student Life>

Graduate Schools>

International Students>

Visiting Berklee College of Music>

Academics

Berklee College of Music offers world-class training in contemporary music across diverse genres and disciplines. Undergraduates choose from over 12 majors, with popular fields including Performance, Songwriting, Music Production & Engineering, Music Business, Composition, Film Scoring, and Electronic Production & Design. Classes emphasize hands-on learning in ensembles, studios, and technology labs. Small groups and faculty mentorship foster creativity and technical mastery. Berklee's innovative curriculum prepares students for versatile careers in the global music industry.

Admission

Admission to Berklee is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate around 50%, welcoming talented musicians committed to professional growth. Applications are rolling with priority deadlines for scholarships. Holistic review includes audition/interview, essays, recommendations, and academic record. Test-optional policy applies.

Career Outcomes

Berklee graduates achieve outstanding success in music performance, production, business, and technology, with strong employment rates and industry recognition. Career services support internships, networking, and job placement with connections to major labels, studios, and touring artists. Many alumni win Grammys, launch labels, or score films. The global network and practical training open doors worldwide. Graduates often build sustainable careers as performers, producers, educators, or entrepreneurs, leveraging Berklee's reputation and Boston's music ecosystem.

Campus

Berklee's urban Boston campus spans the Fenway/Back Bay area with state-of-the-art performance venues, recording studios, practice rooms, and technology labs. Facilities include the Berklee Performance Center, multiple theaters, and professional-grade equipment. The campus offers residence halls, dining, and wellness resources in a vibrant neighborhood near cultural landmarks. Easy transit connects to downtown for gigs and networking. The creative, collaborative environment immerses students in music 24/7 while providing urban energy and opportunities.

Student Life

Berklee fosters a dynamic, creative community of musicians from around the world, with hundreds of ensembles, clubs, and events celebrating diverse genres and cultures. Residential life builds connections through themed housing and traditions. Students perform regularly in venues on and off campus. Athletics, wellness programs, and support services promote balance amid intense studies. The international population and Boston location offer rich cultural, dining, and professional experiences while the campus provides a supportive home for artistic growth.

Graduate Schools

Visiting Berklee College of Music