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Best Value Music Colleges in Massachusetts

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Massachusetts music programs show dramatic cost variations, with net prices ranging from Salem State's $18,441 to Berklee's $50,404. The earnings picture tells an equally complex story, where Northeastern graduates earn $35,416 annually while New England Conservatory alumni start at just $11,851. Boston's position as a major media and entertainment center creates unique opportunities for music graduates, with companies like Bose, Harmonix, and numerous recording studios calling the region home. Public universities dominate the value equation here. UMass Amherst combines reasonable costs with strong outcomes, charging $17,357 in-state while delivering 83% graduation rates. Even Salem State, with its 92% acceptance rate, produces graduates earning nearly $30,000. The state's concentration of specialized music institutions means students can choose between broad university programs and focused conservatory training. Boston alone houses three major music schools, each serving different career paths and budgets.
34
Programs
$14,852 – $50,404
Net Price Range
$26,654
Avg. Program Earnings
74.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

34 Music Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,441 $29,520 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
2 $23,691 $33,993 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
3 $18,627 $25,774 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
4 $26,996 $33,281 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
5 $17,970 $21,234 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
6 $32,116 $35,416 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
7 $50,404 $22,162 $50,270 66.3% 54.2%
8 $42,556 $11,851 $58,550 77.8% 37.6%
9 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
10 $29,562 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
11 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
12 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
13 $26,181 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
14 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
15 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
16 $35,435 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
17 $25,008 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
18 $18,561 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
19 $30,934 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
20 $14,852 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
21 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
22 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
23 $18,246 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
24 $36,868 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
25 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
26 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
27 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
28 $46,766 $55,392 79.3% 42.8%
29 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
30 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
31 $33,885 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
32 $39,866 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
33 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
34 $29,396 $43,064 40.4% 69.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge gap between music school costs in Massachusetts?

Private conservatories like Berklee charge $50,404 net while public options like Salem State cost $18,441. Specialized music schools often carry higher prices due to small class sizes, individual instruction, and expensive equipment. Public universities spread music department costs across larger student bodies. The 92% acceptance rate at Salem State versus 54% at Berklee also reflects different positioning in the market.

How do graduation rates compare between public and private music programs?

Private schools generally show higher completion rates in Massachusetts. Boston University achieves 90% graduation rates while UMass Amherst reaches 83%. However, public options like Bridgewater State sit at 55%, reflecting different student populations and support systems. The New England Conservatory maintains 78% graduation rates despite its specialized focus.

Is Boston worth the higher costs for music students?

Boston offers unique industry connections but costs vary widely. Northeastern graduates earn $35,416 annually, justifying higher expenses through strong career outcomes. The city houses major music technology companies, recording studios, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. However, students can access similar regional opportunities from UMass Lowell at $16,570 in-state tuition.

Does student debt vary significantly among Massachusetts music programs?

Debt levels cluster surprisingly close despite cost differences. Boston University, UMass Lowell, and New England Conservatory all report around $26,000-$27,000 in student debt. Berklee shows lower debt at $23,392 despite higher costs, suggesting strong financial aid programs. These consistent debt levels indicate effective aid packaging across different institution types.

Where do the highest-earning music graduates come from in Massachusetts?

Northeastern leads earnings at $35,416, followed closely by UMass Amherst at $33,993 and Boston University at $33,281. These three schools combine strong general university resources with solid music programs. Salem State graduates earn $29,520 despite much lower costs, showing decent return on investment. Specialized conservatories show more variable outcomes, with New England Conservatory at the bottom earning $11,851.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.