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Longy School of Music of Bard College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Longy School of Music of Bard College

Tucked into Cambridge's artsy streets, Longy School of Music of Bard College is known for linking performance with social impact. Academics lean into performance, composition, chamber collaboration, and teaching artistry, with a reputation for close mentoring and real audience connections. It feels personal, focused, and a bit daring in the best way.

Students spend their days in practice rooms and studios, an intimate concert hall, a well used library, and recording spaces that let ideas turn into polished work. Advising and career guidance are part of the rhythm. Campus life centers on ensembles, frequent recitals, composer collaborations, and the kind of cross style projects that keep you on your toes.

Career prep is practical here. You can build teaching chops, line up gigs, and connect with arts organizations around Cambridge and Boston. The local scene offers stages, schools, and community spaces where music actually meets people. The culture is purpose-driven and collaborative, with regular community performances that have become a quiet tradition. It's serious music making without the stiff edges.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 27 Garden Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, USA
Website: longy.edu
Unit ID: 166489

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: MSCHE
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Certificate (≥2 yrs), Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research 4-Year Focus - Law
Campus Setting: Located in a midsize city (population between 100,000 and 249,999)
Tuition: In-state: $52,925 (Tuition $51,725 + Fee $1,200) · Out-of-state: $52,925 (Tuition $51,725 + Fee $1,200)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 318
Undergraduate: 34
Graduate/Other: 284
Male: 114 Female: 204
Applications:
Total Applicants: 109
Admitted: 92
Enrolled: 12
Acceptance: 84.4% Yield: 13%
Staff:
Total: 206 Full-time: 49 Part-time: 157

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Longy School of Music of Bard College with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Massachusetts. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Massachusetts vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (27)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0903 Music Performance, General. (Assoc, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc)
A program that generally prepares individuals to master musical instruments and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers. Includes instruction on one or more specific instruments from various instrumental groupings.

Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Massachusetts Avg MA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $92,280 -$9,960 (-9.7%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $87,720 +$3,490 (+4.1%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0904 Music Theory and Composition. (Assoc, BSc, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the study of the principles of sound manipulation as applied to the creation of music, and the techniques of creating and arranging music. Includes instruction in aural theory, melody, counterpoint, complex harmony, modulation, chromatics, improvisation, progressions, musical writing, instrumentation, orchestration, electronic and computer applications, studies of specific musical styles, and development of original creative ability.

Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Massachusetts Avg MA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $92,280 -$9,960 (-9.7%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $87,720 +$3,490 (+4.1%)
50.0907 Keyboard Instruments. (Assoc, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc)
A program that prepares individuals to master the piano, organ, or related keyboard instruments and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in piano and keyboard pedagogy, ensemble playing, accompanying, service playing, repertoire, keyboard and pedal skills, recital, and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Massachusetts Avg MA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $92,280 -$9,960 (-9.7%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0908 Voice and Opera. (Assoc, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc)
A program that prepares individuals to master the human voice and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers in concert, choir, opera, or other forms of singing. Includes instruction in voice pedagogy, diction, vocal physiology and exercise, expressive movement, repertoire, recital, and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Massachusetts Avg MA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $92,280 -$9,960 (-9.7%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $87,720 +$3,490 (+4.1%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0911 Stringed Instruments. (Assoc, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc)
A program that prepares individual to master a stringed instrument and performing arts as solo, ensemble and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Massachusetts Avg MA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $92,280 -$9,960 (-9.7%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0914 Brass Instruments. (Assoc, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc)
A program that prepares individuals to master a brass instrument and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Massachusetts Avg MA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $92,280 -$9,960 (-9.7%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0915 Woodwind Instruments. (Assoc, BSc, PostBacCert, MSc)
A program that prepares individuals to master a woodwind instrument and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Massachusetts Avg MA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $92,280 -$9,960 (-9.7%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
Education (1)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1312 Music Teacher Education. (PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to teach music and music appreciation programs at various educational levels.

Graduate Career Earnings in Massachusetts

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Massachusetts Avg MA vs US
25-1081 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $78,500 $77,650 -$850 (-1.1%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $92,280 -$9,960 (-9.7%)
25-2022 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $70,040 $82,850 +$12,810 (+18.3%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $81,420 +$7,720 (+10.5%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$53,425
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$53,425
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$52,925
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$52,925
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$14,000 (off-campus)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$500
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$5,000 (off-campus)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$5,000
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$52,950
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$52,950
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

21%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$21,923
Avg. Loan
$20,500
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,500
Additional
Students with Any Grant
8
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
1
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
1
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$21,609
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

44%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
88%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$22,114 – $74,224
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$22,114 (25th %) $74,224 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $46,543
Median Salary After 6 Years
$31,072
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$46,543
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
79.1%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
83.9%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$24,254
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 68.5%
Middle 77.6%
High 85.5%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 80.5%
Independent 51.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Longy School of Music of Bard College

How much does it cost to attend Longy School of Music of Bard College?

The annual tuition at Longy School of Music of Bard College is $52,925 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $53,425 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $14,000 (off-campus) and books and supplies $500.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Longy School of Music of Bard College offer?

Longy School of Music of Bard College offers 32 academic programs across 2 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (≥2 yrs), Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (27 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Longy School of Music of Bard College?

Longy School of Music of Bard College has an 84.4% acceptance rate and a 13% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 109
  • Students admitted: 92
  • Students enrolled: 12

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Longy School of Music of Bard College?

Longy School of Music of Bard College provides financial aid to 21% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $21,923 and average loans of $20,500.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $2,509
  • Institutional grants: $21,609
  • Federal loans: $5,500

The university supports 8 students with grants and 1 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Longy School of Music of Bard College graduates?

Longy School of Music of Bard College graduates earn a median salary of $31,072 after 6 years and $46,543 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $22,114 (25th percentile) to $74,224 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $77,000 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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