Computer Software and Media Applications at Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,370/yr (-58% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI 1.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #42 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Software and Media Applications graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $275K $301K $355K
Earnings Multiple 1.4x 1.5x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$201,080
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$201,616
-0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,250
15.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $19,370 per year, Computer Software and Media Applications graduates from Berklee College of Music earn below the $46,351 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 1.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The -29% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Software and Media Applications career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #42 ranking among 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs places Berklee College of Music in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, enrolling 7,510 students in Boston, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Berklee College of Music →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Software and Media Applications at Other Schools

Other Majors at Berklee College of Music

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Software and Media Applications at Berklee College of Music?
At 35/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Computer Software and Media Applications programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Computer Software and Media Applications degree from Berklee College of Music?
At $24,250 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Software and Media Applications at Berklee College of Music?
The 70% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Berklee College of Music a good choice for Computer Software and Media Applications despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Berklee College of Music's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →