Academic Comparison between Salem State and Berklee College of Music

Salem State University and Berklee College of Music are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Salem State is a four-year, public school located in Salem, MA and Berklee College of Music is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Boston, MA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Salem State is a public and Berklee College of Music is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Berklee College of Music has more expensive tuition & fees ($52,040) than Salem State ($19,531).
  • It is harder to admit to Berklee College of Music than Salem State.
  • Berklee College of Music has more students with 8,369 students while Salem State has 6,230 students.
  • Berklee College of Music has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while Salem State's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Berklee College of Music has more full-time faculties with 374 faculties while Salem State has 296 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Salem State Universityvs.Berklee College of Music
Salem, MassachusettsLocationBoston, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$12,338
Out-Of-State$19,531
2025 Tuition & Fees$52,040
72%% Receiving Financial Aid66%
$10,493Average Amount of Financial Aid$24,949
95.88 %Acceptance Rates43.53 %
11.25 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)45.45 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
50 %Graduation Rate67 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
75 %Retention Rate89 %
6,230Student Population8,369
296Number of Faculties374
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services