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Berklee College of Music and Emerson College are both private nonprofit institutions — Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and Emerson College in Boston, MA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Boston, MA · Private
Acceptance rate: 43.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 7,468
Tuition: $52,040/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 67.3%
Top programs: Visual and performing arts, Computer science, Health professions
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Boston, MA with published program strength in Visual and performing arts and Computer science.
Boston, MA · Private
Acceptance rate: 51.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 3,870
Tuition: $57,056/year
Student-faculty ratio: 14.0:1
Graduation rate: 77.1%
Top programs: Visual and performing arts, Communication, English
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Boston, MA with published program strength in Visual and performing arts and Communication.
| Factor | Berklee College of Music | Emerson College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 43.5% | 51.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 1270–1420 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 29–32 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 7,468 | 3,870 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $52,040/year | $57,056/year |
| Average net price after aid | $49,465 | $49,180 |
| Graduation rate | 67.3% | 77.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $33,647 | $62,832 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 14.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Boston, MA | Boston, MA |
| Largest program areas | Visual and performing arts, Computer science, Health professions | Visual and performing arts, Communication, English |
Berklee College of Music is more selective (43.5% vs 51.3% acceptance rate). Emerson College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($49,180 vs $49,465). Emerson College reports the higher graduation rate (77.1% vs 67.3%). Berklee College of Music is the larger undergraduate campus (7,468 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Berklee College of Music and Emerson College
Berklee College of Music has an acceptance rate of 43.5%; Emerson College is around 51.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Berklee College of Music tuition is $52,040/year. Emerson College is $57,056/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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