Financial Aid

All domestic and international applicants to Berklee's full-time degree or diploma programs will be automatically considered for merit-based scholarships through our admissions process.

You and your family can begin the process of applying for need-based financial aid at Berklee by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application will gather information about your family's financial situation and enable you to be considered for a range of federal, state, and institutional funding.

Financial Aid for U.S. Citizens and Permanent U.S. Residents

Students who are U.S citizens or permanent U.S. residents may apply for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 under the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program. The $20,500 will be divided and distributed evenly across all three semesters. Interest will begin to accrue upon disbursement and the interest rate is fixed at 7.05 percent. The loan also has a 1 percent origination fee that is deducted proportionately each time that a loan disbursement is made. Interest rates and loan amounts are subject to change. Please check Federal Student Aid for the latest information.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Be sure to list Berklee College of Music and Federal School Code 002126. If you provide your email address when completing your FAFSA, you will receive information about your application within a few days of processing. Please check the information for accuracy and follow any special instructions.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance is comprised of direct costs and indirect costs. Direct Costs are part of the tuition bill and are paid to Berklee. Indirect Costs are not billed to students by Berklee, but are inherent with attending the program. Indirect costs are only an estimate and may vary.

For students who are U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents receiving federal financial aid, the total cost of attendance reflects the maximum amount a student may receive for the length of the program. This includes all scholarships, federal loans, and private loans.

Tuition costs for the 2023/2024 academic year can be found on the Tuition Fees and Payment section.

If you have any questions regarding the financial aid application process, your awards or our policies, please contact us at financialaid@berklee.edu or at 1 800 BERKLEE, option #1.