Berklee College of Music ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$201,080
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$-8,538/yr
below high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
N/A years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-185%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The annual tuition at Berklee College of Music is $50,270. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $20,342, increasing to $26,462 after five years, and $33,647 after ten years. The median student debt is $25,000.
Given the median debt and the one-year earnings, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 1.23. Based on the provided earnings data, it would take more than ten years for a graduate to earn the equivalent of their tuition cost.
The college has a 67.5% graduation rate and an 85.4% retention rate. 32.6% of students receive financial aid. The acceptance rate is 49.9%, and the total student population is 7,510.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$50,270
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$26,462
Graduation Rate
68%
Receive Financial Aid
33%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Music | $33,047 | N/A |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $0 | N/A |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management | $48,329 | 33% |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other | $0 | N/A |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $0 | N/A |
| Dance | $0 | N/A |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $0 | N/A |
| Visual and Performing Arts, Other | $38,131 | -69% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.