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Colleges / MA / Boston
Berklee College of Music logo

Berklee College of Music

Private nonprofit Boston, MA · Urban · New England · 93% data reported · Agent Insights
67%
Graduation Rate
$33,647
Earnings (10yr)
$49,465
Net Price
44%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Berklee College of Music has a vibrant community that attracts those passionate about the arts, especially in music and related fields. With an enrollment of just under 7,500 students, it’s a place where creativity flourishes, particularly in programs like Visual & Performing Arts and Computer Science & IT. If you’re someone who thrives in an environment where music and technology intersect, this school could be a great fit for you.

After graduation, students from Berklee can expect to earn around $33,647 within ten years. While that number might not seem high at first glance, it reflects a commitment to a career in the arts, where earnings can vary widely. The graduation rate of 67% suggests that many students find their path and succeed, even if it takes some time. With an acceptance rate of 44%, the college balances competitive admissions with a focus on those who are truly dedicated to their craft.

When considering the financial side, the net price after aid comes to about $49,465, and the median debt is $25,000. This means that while the investment is significant, many students manage to navigate it successfully. Those who tend to thrive here are often deeply passionate about music and the arts, willing to embrace the unique challenges and opportunities that come with pursuing a career in these fields.

Rankings

How Berklee Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation67%Earnings 10yr$34KNet Price$49KRetention89%Median Debt$25KPell Grant Rate16%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$43K$0-30K$38K$30-48K$48K$48-75K$55K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%366.8%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1959.1%MOBILITY71.86%

Cost & Financial Aid

$52,040
In-State Tuition
$52,040
Out-of-State
$49,465
Avg Net Price
$25,000
Median Debt
16%
Pell Grant Rate
34%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$42,734
Family Income $0–$30K
$37,987
Family Income $30K–$48K
$47,799
Family Income $48K–$75K
$54,676
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$26,462
6 Years After Entry
$27,560
8 Years
$33,647
10 Years
0.74x
Debt-to-Earnings
42%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$26,462 6yr $27,560 8yr $33,647 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

71.86%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1959.1%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
366.8%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$119,300
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.81
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.02
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
7.5%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 44%
Retention Rate 89%
Full-Time Faculty 34%
Faculty Salary (mo) $10,837
Diversity Index 0.74
First-Gen Students 21%

Top Programs

Visual & Performing Arts 61%
Computer Science & IT 24%
Health Professions 2%
Education 1%

Quick Facts

Setting Urban
Region New England
Accreditor New England Commission on Higher Education
Predominant Degree Bachelor's

Student Body

Female
36%
White
37%
Hispanic
13%
Black
6%
Asian
6%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

Our methodology →