Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $13,771 place Berklee College of Music below the $24,833 national median for Visual and Performing Arts, Other — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
An earnings multiple of 2.1x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $13,771 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
With only 8 programs offering Visual and Performing Arts, Other nationally, this is a niche field. Berklee College of Music ranks #8 among them.
Earnings growth from $13,771 to $26,158 over five years (90% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.