Location: North Adams, MA•In-State Tuition: $11,884•Out-of-State Tuition: $20,559•Admission Rate: 92%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$18,675
5th percentile
10th percentile in Massachusetts
Median Debt
$25,000
4% below national median
D/E Ratio: 1.34 ElevatedSample: 23 graduates Limited data

Analysis

The $18,675 first-year earnings here are startlingly low—we're talking roughly minimum wage territory for graduates with $25,000 in debt. Even among arts management programs (not known for high starting salaries), this ranks in the bottom 10% both nationally and within Massachusetts, where the typical program graduate earns $29,500. The small sample size means these numbers could shift with more data, but they're concerning enough that parents should proceed with serious caution.

The debt load itself isn't unusually high for this field, but paired with earnings barely above $18,000, graduates face a difficult financial reality. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.34, meaning they owe more than an entire year's salary—a level that typically triggers financial strain. For context, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (40%), so this earnings outcome could be particularly consequential for families with limited financial cushion.

If your child is set on arts management, understand they may need additional credentials, connections, or geographic mobility to reach viable earnings levels. The gap between these outcomes and even the Massachusetts median suggests this particular program isn't positioning graduates competitively. Unless your family can afford minimal or no loans, this combination of high debt and bottom-decile earnings makes it a risky investment, even accounting for the small sample caveat.

Where Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all arts, entertainment,and media management bachelors's programs nationally

Massachusetts College of Liberal ArtsOther arts, entertainment,and media management programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts graduates compare to all programs nationally

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts earns $19k — 5th percentile among arts, entertainment,and media management bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (9 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Massachusetts College of Liberal ArtsNorth Adams$11,884$18,675—$25,0001.34
Berklee College of MusicBoston$50,270$40,324$48,329$26,3750.65
National Median—$28,357—$26,0000.92

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with arts, entertainment,and media management graduates

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Producers and Directors

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Programming Directors

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Talent Directors

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Technical Directors/Managers

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Music Directors and Composers

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

$63,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.

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 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, approximately 40% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.