At $50,404/yr net price, Berklee College of Music graduates earn $33,647/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $50,404 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $201,616 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,647/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-353/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $38,537/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $39,205/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $46,723/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $50,150/yr |
| $110,001+ | $56,371/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts, Other. | Master | $34,704 | |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Bachelor | $31,914 | $25,543 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Music. | Master | $25,194 | $41,000 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $22,162 | $23,392 |
| Dance. | Bachelor | $21,964 | $27,000 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, Other. | Bachelor | $16,786 | $27,000 |
| Music. | Certificate | $16,478 |
The Risk Factor
66.3% of students at Berklee College of Music graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Berklee College of Music delivers poor financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With a net price exceeding $50,000 annually and median graduate earnings of just $33,647, you face a massive gap between what you pay and what you earn.
The school's core music programs show the weakest returns, with some music graduates earning only $22,162 annually while carrying $23,392 in debt. Even the highest-earning music program caps out at $25,194 with a crushing $41,000 debt load. Visual and performing arts graduates fare slightly better at $34,704, while arts management offers mid-range earnings of $31,914.
Only 15% of students receive financial aid, meaning you likely pay full price. The 66% graduation rate means one-third of students leave without a degree while still owing money. Your monthly loan payments will consume a disproportionate share of your post-graduation income in an industry known for irregular pay and limited benefits.
Berklee makes financial sense only if you have family wealth, plan to supplement music income with other work, or target the small percentage of high-earning music industry positions. If you need student loans to attend, the math works against you. The school's Boston location adds living costs while the regional job market offers limited high-paying music opportunities.
Consider state schools with strong music programs, community college transfers, or gap years to build savings. If you choose Berklee anyway, focus on the arts management or education tracks that show better earning potential than pure performance degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berklee College of Music worth the high tuition cost?
Berklee's $50,404 annual net price is extremely high compared to typical graduate earnings of $33,647 ten years after graduation. The debt-to-income ratio makes this a risky financial investment for most students.
What is the average salary after graduating from Berklee College of Music?
Berklee graduates earn a median of $33,647 annually ten years after graduation. This is well below the national average for college graduates and creates challenges for paying back student loans.
Which programs at Berklee College of Music have the best job prospects?
Visual and Performing Arts graduates earn the highest at $34,704, while traditional Music program graduates earn significantly less at $22,162-$25,194. Arts management programs fall in between at around $31,914.
How much student debt do Berklee College of Music graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with low post-graduation earnings, even this amount can be difficult to repay for music industry careers.