Music at Berklee College of Music
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Berklee College of Music graduates compare to all programs nationally
Berklee College of Music graduates earn $25k, placing them in the 24th percentile of all music masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Music masters's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (12 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berklee College of Music | $25,163 | $33,047 | — | — |
| Longy School of Music of Bard College | $30,660 | — | — | — |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | $30,429 | $38,353 | — | — |
| The New England Conservatory of Music | $24,499 | $29,058 | — | — |
| National Median | $29,974 | — | — | — |
Other Music Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longy School of Music of Bard College Cambridge | $52,950 | $30,660 | — |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst | $17,357 | $30,429 | — |
| The New England Conservatory of Music Boston | $58,550 | $24,499 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Berklee College of Music, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.