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Music at Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $18,177/yr (-35% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)

ROI 2.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #231 of 240 Music programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Music graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$459K	$462K	$435K
Earnings Multiple	2.3x	2.3x	2.2x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	15	15	11

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

$23,392

15.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$33,368

84% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $18,177/yr fall 35% below the $28,116 national median for Music. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music 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 #231 ranking among 240 Music programs places Berklee College of Music in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $18,177-to-$33,368 earnings arc over five years reflects a 84% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Berklee College of Music

With a 50% acceptance rate, Berklee College of Music is moderately selective, enrolling 7,510 students in Boston, MA.

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

Top Career Paths

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr

Sound engineering technicians $66,430/yr

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr

View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Music at Other Schools

Other Majors at Berklee College of Music

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 15/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Berklee College of Music?

At 15/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Music programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Music degree from Berklee College of Music?

At $23,392 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 Music at Berklee College of Music?

The 47% 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 Music 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 →