Boston, MA · Private University
Is Berklee College of Music Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$33,647
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$50,270
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$50,270
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$201,080
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
0.67x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Graduation Rate
66.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$50,404
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Berklee College of Music graduates earn $11,353 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Berklee College of Music ranked by graduate earnings
40 graduates
20 graduates
99 graduates
446 graduates
37 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Berklee College of Music
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media ManagementBest ROI | $48,329 | 1.0x |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions(1yr data) | $36,349 | 0.7x |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other(1yr data) | $26,827 | 0.5x |
| Music | $26,414 | 0.5x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, OtherLowest | $21,938 | 0.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Berklee College of Music carries higher costs relative to graduate earnings, warranting careful consideration. Graduates earn $33,647 10 years after starting, $11,353 below the national median of $45,000. In-state students pay $50,270/year, significantly less than the $50,270 out-of-state rate, which substantially improves the ROI picture for state residents.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.