Music at Berklee College of Music

The numbers reveal a concerning reality about Berklee's music program: despite its prestigious reputation, graduates earn significantly less than peers at other Massachusetts schools and struggle financially in their first year out of college. With median starting earnings of just $18,177, Berklee music graduates rank in only the 25th percentile among Massachusetts programs—meaning three-quarters of similar programs in the state produce better-earning graduates. Even more striking, nearby UMass Lowell's music graduates earn nearly double at $35,311.

However, there's a notable silver lining in the earnings trajectory. Berklee graduates see robust 45% income growth from year one to year four, reaching $26,414—which actually exceeds the national median for music programs. This suggests the school's industry connections and training may pay off over time, even if the immediate post-graduation period is financially challenging. The debt load of $24,979 is slightly below both state and national averages, which helps offset the low starting wages.

For parents, this creates a difficult calculation: Berklee offers strong long-term earning potential in a notoriously difficult field, but the first few years will likely require significant financial support. If your family can weather the initial low earnings period and your child is committed to a music career, the program's eventual payoff may justify the investment.