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Boston University vs Curtis Institute of Music

Curtis Institute of Music is extremely selective with a 7.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Boston University (10.8%).

Admissions & Outcomes

Curtis Institute of Music has a higher yield rate (80.7%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.

Boston University

Boston, MA

Curtis Institute of Music

Philadelphia, PA

Acceptance Rate
10.8%
7.0%
Applicants (2023)
80,495
446
Median SAT
1470
N/A
Yield Rate
36.0%
80.7%
6-Year Graduation Rate
89.3%
94.7%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$83,238
N/A
Median Earnings (6yr)
$65,655
$31,201
Median Debt
$23,250
N/A
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$56,854
N/A
Room & Board
$16,640
N/A

Net Price by Family Income

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income.

Family Income
Boston University
Curtis Institute of Music
$0 – $30k
$9,500
N/A
$30k – $48k
$9,342
N/A
$48k – $75k
$11,778
N/A
$75k – $110k
N/A
N/A
$110k+
$47,504
N/A

Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.

Financial Aid

Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Boston University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (18%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Metric
Boston University
Curtis Institute of Music
Students Receiving Grants
48%
100%
Average Grant Amount
$50,703
$18,657
Pell Grant Recipients
18%
1%
Institutional Grant Rate
49%
100%
Avg Institutional Grant
$52,523
$8,796

Highest-Earning Majors

Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.

Boston University

  • 1 Computer Science
    $84,994
  • 2 Computer Engineering
    $82,440
  • 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
    $70,829
  • 4 Mechanical Engineering
    $68,858
  • 5 Biomedical/Medical Engineering
    $67,660

Most Popular Majors

The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.

Boston University

  • 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • 2 Computer Science
  • 3 Psychology, General
  • 4 Economics
  • 5 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication

Curtis Institute of Music

  • 1 Music
  • 2 Music
  • 3 Music

Campus & Student Body

Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.

Metric
Boston University
Curtis Institute of Music
Total Enrollment
36,624
159
Retention Rate
95%
97%
Women
57%
46%
International Students
29%
47%
Asian
15%
10%
Hispanic/Latino
9%
4%
Black
5%
2%
White
33%
32%

For International Students

Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.

Boston University

  • International students29%
  • Tuition (international)$56,854
  • Est. total cost/year$74,712
  • School typePublic

Curtis Institute of Music

  • International students47%
  • Tuition (international)N/A
  • School typePublic

What international students should know

  • International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
  • Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
  • F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
  • Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
  • With 47% international enrollment, Curtis Institute of Music likely has a well-established international student community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it harder to get into Boston University or Curtis Institute of Music?

Curtis Institute of Music is more selective with a 7.0% acceptance rate, compared to 10.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.

What is the graduation rate at Boston University vs Curtis Institute of Music?

Curtis Institute of Music has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 94.7%, compared to 89.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.

Which school has more international students: Boston University or Curtis Institute of Music?

Curtis Institute of Music has a larger international student population at 47% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.

What are the highest-paying majors at Boston University and Curtis Institute of Music?

At Boston University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $84,994 within two years. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.

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