The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About The New England Conservatory of Music
Anchored by a storied concert hall, New England Conservatory is known for rigorous, hands-on study in classical performance, jazz, composition, and adventurous contemporary work. Students learn in close-knit studios, with plentiful practice rooms, ensemble spaces, recording labs, and a deep music library. Support stays practical: advising, wellness services, and a career office that helps turn artistry into real opportunities.
The culture blends high standards with camaraderie. You'll hear a quartet polishing a phrase, then a late-night jam down the hall. Recitals and student-run projects keep the lights warm. Boston adds fuel, with nearby orchestras, clubs, and arts groups offering gigs, mentoring, and outreach, plus parks, museums, and cafés when you need air. And traditions grow from the stage outward, with public concerts that draw the neighborhood. Notable alumni include Coretta Scott King and Cecil Taylor.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) offers 12 degree programs across 1 major academic fields, graduating approximately 260 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Arts (12 programs, 260 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Arts (12 programs, 260 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stringed Instruments | 72 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
50.0911 |
| Keyboard Instruments | 38 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
50.0907 |
| Woodwind Instruments | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
50.0915 |
| Voice and Opera Performance | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
50.0908 |
| Jazz Studies | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
50.0910 |
| Music Theory and Composition | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
50.0904 |
| Brass Instruments | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
50.0914 |
| Music Performance | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
50.0903 |
| Percussion Instruments | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
50.0916 |
| Conducting | 5 |
|
Master's
|
50.0906 |
| Music Pedagogy | 2 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
50.0912 |
| Musicology and Ethnomusicology | 1 |
|
Master's
|
50.0905 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC)
How much does it cost to attend The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC)?
The annual tuition at The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) is $58,550 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $81,277 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $19,287 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 The New England Conservatory of Music offer?
The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) offers 12 academic programs across 1 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (≥2 yrs), Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Doctorate (Research), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (12 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for The New England Conservatory of Music?
The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) has an 42.8% acceptance rate and a 25.6% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 959
- Students admitted: 410
- Students enrolled: 105
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 The New England Conservatory of Music?
The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) provides financial aid to 12% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $28,326 and average loans of $6,499.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,095
- State/Local grants: $1,000
- Institutional grants: $27,317
- Federal loans: $5,500
The university supports 41 students with grants and 11 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 The New England Conservatory of Music graduates?
The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) graduates earn a median salary of $18,830 after 6 years and $34,483 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $12,465 (25th percentile) to $64,792 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $68,400 (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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