Music at Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
15
Optimistic
15
Base Case
11
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

Program Analysis

The earnings data for Berklee's music program reflects the highly competitive and often non-traditional career paths prevalent in the music industry. Unlike fields with clear corporate ladders, many graduates forge entrepreneurial careers as performers, composers, sound engineers, or educators, often building diverse income streams over time. The initial years post-graduation frequently involve hustling to establish a professional network and reputation in vibrant music scenes like Boston's, which doesn't always translate to high immediate salaries. While Berklee offers unparalleled artistic and technical development, the market for musicians, even highly trained ones, is fragmented. You're entering a field where passion drives many, and financial rewards accrue differently. To maximize your financial outlook, proactively develop strong business acumen, marketing skills, and a willingness to diversify income streams from day one.

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

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 →