Best Music Schools in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has 8 colleges offering Music programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 836 recent graduates. Graduates earn $26,654 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $26,832.

School choice matters significantly: Northeastern University graduates earn $35,416 while The New England Conservatory of Music graduates earn $11,851 — a $23,565 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in MA

$26,654

MA Avg. Earnings

$26,832

National Avg.

286

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Music in Massachusetts

Public Schools (4)

$27,630

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (4)

$25,678

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Massachusetts produce comparable or higher early earnings for Music graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Music Schools in Massachusetts, Ranked by Earnings

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private

$35,416

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,347

Graduates: 41

Acceptance: 5.7%

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,867

Graduates: 26

Acceptance: 57.8%

Boston University

Boston, MA · Private

$33,281

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 10.8%

Salem State University

Salem, MA · Public

$29,520

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 95.6%

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public

$25,774

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,855

Graduates: 55

Acceptance: 85.2%

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA · Private

$22,162

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $20,512

Graduates: 693

Acceptance: 49.9%

Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater, MA · Public

$21,234

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 89.2%

The New England Conservatory of Music

Boston, MA · Private

$11,851

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $10,847

Graduates: 21

Acceptance: 42.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Music in Massachusetts?

Northeastern University ranks #1 for Music in Massachusetts with median graduate earnings of $35,416 within two years of graduation. There are 8 schools offering Music programs in the state.

How much do Music graduates earn in Massachusetts?

Music graduates in Massachusetts earn an average of $26,654 within two years of graduation. This is 1% below the national average of $26,832 for this major.

What is the hardest Music school to get into in Massachusetts?

Northeastern University is the most selective Music program in Massachusetts with an acceptance rate of 5.7%. The average acceptance rate across Music programs in the state is 54.6%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Music in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, private Music programs produce average earnings of $25,678 vs $27,630 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 4 public and 4 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Massachusetts

Computer Science $83,997 Computer Engineering $80,525 Applied Mathematics $79,258 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $77,562 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $77,412 Engineering, Other $76,362 Industrial Engineering $70,780 Chemical Engineering $70,218

All colleges in Massachusetts →

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.