Software Development at Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer Software and Media Applications
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

Program Analysis

Don't let the "Computer Software" title mislead you; this isn't a traditional computer science degree. At Berklee, your coursework will be deeply embedded in the creative industries, focusing on audio engineering, music production software, and interactive media for performance. While Boston has a booming tech sector with employers like HubSpot and Wayfair, graduates from this program are not typically on a direct pipeline to those high-paying corporate software roles. Instead, you'll be competing for specialized, and often freelance, positions in recording studios, game audio design, and live event production. These artistic fields have very different compensation structures than mainstream tech. Your most important takeaway: if your goal is a conventional software engineering career, explore dedicated engineering schools. If your passion is the intersection of technology and art, be prepared to build a unique, entrepreneurial career path.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Software Development 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

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

Software Development 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 Software Development at Berklee College of Music?
At 35/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Software Development programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Software Development 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 Software Development 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 Software Development 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 →