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About

About Curtis Institute of Music

elite music conservatorytuition free traininghighly selective admissionstwo to one ratioperformance focused curriculum

Curtis Institute of Music is a community college in Philadelphia, PA, known for its elite music conservatory, tuition free training, and two to one ratio. With an acceptance rate of 10%, Curtis is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, typically enrolling around 33 students each year. Curtis is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. Curtis offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $4,500 per year; the sticker price of $27,945 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Curtis Institute of Music acceptance rate and admitted student profile

one of the most selective colleges in the United States

10%
Overall Accept Rate

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Curtis Institute of Music

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
At Curtis, your live audition is the single most important factor in admission, so dedicate the bulk of your preparation time to perfecting your audition repertoire rather than other application components. Research which specific faculty member teaches your instrument and tailor your repertoire choices to align with their known teaching philosophy and preferences.
Application Strategy
Curtis requires pre-screening recordings for most instruments, and these recordings must reflect your absolute best playing, so invest in a professional recording session in a good acoustic space rather than submitting a home recording. Poor audio quality can eliminate an otherwise strong candidate before they ever reach the live audition round.

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

95%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$31k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
2:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
131
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

46%International
27%White
14%Asian
9%Two or More Races
3%Hispanic
2%Black / African American
Gender52% Men · 48% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status54% Citizens and Immigrants · 46% International
Curtis, Philadelphia Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch