Berklee College of Music

What are the graduation rates for students at Berklee College of Music?

Berklee's reported six-year graduation rate is 67% for the applicable first-time, full-time undergraduate cohort. Its four-year rate is 50%. The difference shows that some students complete after four years but within the longer reporting window.

These cohort measures do not describe every student. In particular, transfer students, part-time students, and students in programs with different structures may have different experiences. Berklee's reported first-year retention rate is 89%, meaning that most students in the measured first-time cohort returned the following academic year. Retention and graduation are related indicators, but neither identifies why an individual student stays or leaves.

For a prospective student, the practical question is how many semesters their intended curriculum is likely to require. Course sequencing, accepted transfer credit, and the affordability of an additional term can matter as much as the institution-wide completion percentage.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Berklee College of Music?

College Scorecard program data report median earnings of $20,512 for federally aided music completers measured one year after completion. For arts, entertainment, and media management completers, the corresponding figure is $20,786. These are early-career figures for the measured populations, not promised salaries for all Berklee graduates.

The measure excludes people who do not meet the Scorecard's reporting criteria, and earnings in music can be especially uneven across salaried work, freelance assignments, performances, and other sources of income. A one-year figure also cannot describe later career development or show how many graduates work in their intended field. Students weighing cost against potential earnings should examine the program relevant to them and consider likely borrowing alongside the range of work they may pursue.