Campus Vibe
Close-knit campus
The New England Conservatory of Music is a private urban institution in Boston, Massachusetts. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A small campus of 371 undergraduates with a 5:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
78% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $34,483 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $42,556.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
The New England Conservatory of Music Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision
December 1
Regular Decision
January 15
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
74.5%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
3
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Programs (6)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
94%
- •94% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Campus Life
Performance-focused conservatory; no varsity athletics
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Notable Alumni
Gunther Schuller
Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and conductor
Aoife O'Donovan
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter
Esperanza Spalding
Grammy Award-winning jazz bassist and vocalist
Victor Wooten
Five-time Grammy Award-winning bassist
Donald Erb
Renowned contemporary composer
Rankings
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Nearby Attractions
Symphony Hallwalkable
Home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, adjacent to campus
Museum of Fine Artswalkable
World-class art museum with extensive collections
Fenway Parkwalkable
Historic baseball stadium, home of the Red Sox
Back Baywalkable
Historic neighborhood with shopping and dining