Private not-for-profit

Small

Manhattan School of Music SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPA3.55

Acceptance Rate40.8%

MSM is test-optional, but with a 40.8% admit rate and a 3.55 average GPA, you should treat academics as part of your audition strategy. If your SAT or ACT score is a strength, submitting it can add a useful academic signal alongside your artistic work.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Manhattan School of Music facts and stats

Quick Facts

Manhattan School of Music is an urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 554 students. MSM has a 93% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 78%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1.

Location

New York, NY

Undergrad Enrollment554

Freshman Retention93%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio6:1

Graduation Rate78%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How does your GPA compare at MSM?

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Key Manhattan School of Music application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

December 1

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Coming soon

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional MSM, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and save the summer before senior year plus the fall for retakes that could improve your superscore. For MSM’s December 1 Regular Decision deadline, the October ACT or November SAT is typically the last fall retake whose scores will arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

At MSM, tuition and fees are $57,050. MSM is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students as you compare costs and financial aid options.

Tuition and Fees$57,050

Room and Board$18,050

Average Merit AwardN/A

Application Fee$125

Students on AidN/A

Average Aid PackageN/A

Average Debt at GradN/A

At Manhattan School of Music, tuition and fees plus room and board total about $75,100 per year before books, supplies, travel, and personal expenses. As a private not-for-profit conservatory, the net price can vary significantly based on a student’s financial need, scholarships, and family circumstances. Students should compare MSM’s posted costs with their financial aid offer to understand what they may actually pay.