Berklee College of Music: Courses, Fees & More

Berklee College of Music is a famous private college in Boston, Massachusetts, known for teaching music, especially modern styles like jazz, rock, and pop. The school offers programs where students can learn to play instruments, write songs, produce music, and study music business and technology. Berklee’s campus has recording studios, practice rooms, and performance spaces where students can make and share music together. Berklee has a 50% acceptance rate, and most classes have fewer than 20 students. With a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio, students get plenty of personal attention and support.

For over 75 years, Berklee has grown with the music industry in areas like performance, production, songwriting, music therapy, film scoring, and more. Students from all over the world come to Berklee to learn from expert teachers and work with other talented musicians, making it a top place for anyone who wants a career in music.

About Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music was founded in 1945 in Boston, Massachusetts, by Lawrence Berk. Originally called the Schillinger House, it was the first college in the U.S. to focus on jazz and popular music instead of only classical training. Over the years, Berklee has grown into a global leader in contemporary music education.

The Boston campus includes top-quality recording studios, practice rooms, and live performance spaces. Berklee also has a campus in Valencia, Spain, offering graduate programs and global learning experiences in a multicultural setting. Its goal is to help students grow as creative artists and prepare for careers in the music industry. 

Berklee is often ranked as one of the world’s top music production schools by magazines like Billboard, Forbes, and The Hollywood Reporter.

U.S. News Rankings:

• #39 in Regional Universities North (tie)
• #73 in Best Value Schools
• #9 in Best Undergraduate Teaching

Courses Offered at Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music offers a wide range of programs designed to prepare students for careers in today’s music and performing arts industries. From undergraduate degrees in performance and songwriting to specialized graduate programs in jazz, music education, and production, Berklee combines creativity, innovation, and real-world experience across every course.

Undergraduate Programs

Graduate Programs – Boston Campus

Graduate Programs – New York City Campus

Berklee College of Music Admission Requirements

If you're planning to apply, it's important to understand the admission requirements clearly. Berklee looks at both your musical talent and your academic background. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting into Berklee:

Undergraduate Program Requirements

To apply for an undergraduate program at Berklee, students must complete an application and meet a few academic and language-related requirements. Here's a simplified breakdown of what's needed for admission to this top music school:

• Self-Reported GPA: You can submit your current Grade Point Average when applying, even if it may change later in the school year.
• Credential Evaluation (For International Students): Students outside the U.S. and Canada must provide a credential evaluation from an accredited agency like The Evaluation Company or Educational Credential Evaluators. It must be a course-by-course evaluation with grades, sent directly to Berklee.
• Proof of English Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you’ll need to submit one of the following test scores:

Graduate Program Requirements

Berklee’s graduate programs are designed for students looking to take their music careers to the next level. Each program has specific requirements, but all applicants must submit their materials through the online application portal. Here's a breakdown of the general and program-specific requirements:

Master of Music in Global Jazz

Applicants must upload the following:

• Proof of a completed bachelor’s degree
• Official transcripts (translated into English if needed)
• Student visa (F-1 visa for international students)
• Proof of English proficiency:

• Statement of Purpose
• One Letter of Recommendation
• Official Transcripts and Diploma
• Music Portfolio

Master of Music in Music Education

Applicants must provide:

• Personal Statement: Describe where you see yourself in five years and why the arts matter.
• Résumé or CV: Include education, work experience, and musical background.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: From people who know your musical strengths.
• Official Transcripts from your bachelor’s degree: Final transcripts and diploma required before enrollment.
• English Language Test scores, if English is not your first language:

Application Deadlines for Berklee College of Music

Berklee has multiple enrollment periods throughout the year for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Each intake has its own set of important deadlines. Be sure to review and plan ahead to stay on track with your application.

Undergraduate Admissions Deadlines

Graduate Admissions Deadlines

How to Apply to Berklee College of Music

Applying to Berklee involves four key steps.

Part 1: Submit the Application Form

1. Create an Account: Start by visiting berklee.edu/apply.
2. Choose Your Program Details: Select your application type, program, start term, and possible major.
3. Share Transfer Credit Info: Let Berklee know if you have any prior college credits.
4. Select Your Principal Instrument: Tell them what you play and share your musical background.
5. Schedule Your Audition/Interview: Begin the process of booking your audition or interview.
6. Add Your Academic History: Include transcripts and details of your education.
7. Submit Optional Materials: You may upload extra materials like portfolios or recordings.
8. Pay and Submit: Pay the application fee and submit your completed application.

Part 2: Submit Your Supplemental Materials: These include things like transcripts, personal statements, or portfolios, depending on your program.

Part 3: Complete Your Audition and/or Interview: Required for most applicants. This is your chance to show your talent and passion for music.

Part 4: Explore Berklee’s Resources: After applying, take time to learn more about the college, programs, and support services available to students.

Tuition Fees for Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music has programs for both undergrad and grad students. You can study at their campuses in Boston or Valencia. The cost of tuition changes depending on the program, the semester, and how many classes you take. The table below shows the tuition fees for the 2025–2026 school year.

Undergraduate Tuition

Boston Campus

*Tuition Fees are subject to change- might vary each year/intake

Valencia Campus
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*Tuition Fees are subject to change- might vary each year/intake

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition at Berklee College of Music depends on your program, campus, and whether you're enrolled full-time or paying per credit.

Boston Campus

Valencia Campus
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Berklee College of Music Alumni

Many well-known musicians studied here, including Quincy Jones, John Mayer, Esperanza Spalding, and Howard Shore. Its alumni have received some of the highest honors in the world.

• 345 Grammy Awards
• 124 Latin Grammy Awards
• 91 Emmy Awards
• 30 Tony Awards
• 8 Academy Awards (Oscars)

Scholarship Opportunities at Berklee College of Music 

Berklee offers a variety of scholarships and grants to support students based on merit, need, and academic progress. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and are designed to help talented students from around the world pursue their musical education. Below is a summary of key scholarships, their benefits, and who is eligible:

Amber, a trusted student housing platform, also offers private scholarships to help international students reduce their financial burden while studying abroad.

Housing Options Near Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music is located in the historic Back Bay, a vibrant neighborhood in Boston filled with cafés, shops, parks, and live music venues. It’s a safe and lively area where students can enjoy city life while being just steps away from campus.

While Berklee’s Office of Housing and Residential Education provides on-campus Boston Conservatory at Berklee dorms for around 1,500 students. While there are Berklee Boston dorms many others choose to live off campus. Amber can help students find secure, comfortable, and budget-friendly housing options close to Berklee.

Here are some popular student housing choices near the college:

• Lightview, Boston: Offers non-ensuite rooms with shared facilities; just 8 minutes from Northeastern University.
• 1047 Commonwealth, Boston: Modern studios in a central location, ideal for students seeking convenience and style.
• Imprint Dorcheste: Spacious studios, ensuites, and 1-bedroom apartments in a vibrant, well-connected neighborhood.
• The Tremont,Boston: Sought-after student housing with comfortable living spaces in a prime city location.

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