Music programs

CIP 5009 · Visual & Performing Arts · ranked by median earnings four years after completion

289 institutions report graduate earnings for Music programs (College Scorecard, 2024-25). Across them the median is $45,410 four years after completion, with a typical debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59× and 67% of graduates earning above the federal earnings threshold. Indicatively, 166 of the 397 programs with both earnings and a benchmark fall below the earnings-premium benchmark used by the 2025 federal test (effective July 1, 2026); the rest clear it.

National ranking

#	Institution	Earn 4yr	% > threshold	Median debt	Debt/earn	Earnings premium	2 of 3 yrs
1	New Jersey City UniversityNJ · Master's	$82,054 n=16	—	—	—	Above +6%	—
2	Central Washington UniversityWA · Master's	$79,115 n=30	96% 1yr	$14,817	0.19×	Above +6%	—
3	Messiah UniversityPA · Master's	$77,342 n=37	93% 1yr	$21,472	0.28×	Above +20%	—
4	University of Michigan-Ann ArborMI · Doctoral	$75,367 n=16	67% 1yr	$41,000	0.54×	Above +20%	Below 1/2
5	The University of Texas at AustinTX · Doctoral	$75,055 n=28	66% 5yr	$72,028	0.96×	Above +14%	Below 1/2
6	Sam Houston State UniversityTX · Master's	$68,888 n=53	80% 5yr	$28,500	0.41×	Above +5%	Clears 2/2
7	University of California-San DiegoCA · Doctoral	$68,693 n=17	—	—	—	Below -9%	—
8	University of Maryland-College ParkMD · Doctoral	$68,660 n=28	78% 5yr	$56,000	0.82×	Below -10%	Below 2/2
9	Northwestern UniversityIL · Doctoral	$66,572 n=16	—	—	—	Below -3%	Below 2/2
10	University of DelawareDE · Master's	$66,502 n=19	—	$29,986	0.45×	Above +3%	—
11	Sonoma State UniversityCA · Bachelor's	$65,533 n=18	—	—	—	Above +70%	—
12	University of Wisconsin-MadisonWI · Doctoral	$65,495 n=20	—	—	—	Above +6%	Below 1/2
13	Michigan State UniversityMI · Doctoral	$64,672 n=31	85% 5yr	$30,500	0.47×	Above +3%	Below 1/2
14	University of North TexasTX · Doctoral	$64,315 n=51	85% 5yr	$36,476	0.57×	Below -2%	Below 2/2
15	Christopher Newport UniversityVA · Bachelor's	$63,852 n=16	—	—	—	Above +68%	—
16	CUNY Brooklyn CollegeNY · Master's	$63,685 n=22	—	$40,642	0.64×	Below -10%	—
17	Michigan State UniversityMI · Master's	$62,193 n=65	69% 5yr	$30,158	0.48×	Below -1%	—
18	Stevens Institute of TechnologyNJ · Bachelor's	$61,943 n=19	—	$27,000	0.44×	Above +55%	—
19	University of FloridaFL · Bachelor's	$61,446 n=28	54% 5yr	$14,908	0.24×	Above +82%	Below 1/2
20	Northeastern UniversityMA · Bachelor's	$60,974 n=42	84% 5yr	$25,500	0.42×	Above +40%	Clears 2/2
21	Northeastern University Professional ProgramsMA · Bachelor's	$60,974 n=42	84% 5yr	$25,500	0.42×	Above +40%	—
22	Ohio State University-Main CampusOH · Master's	$60,865 n=16	—	—	—	Below -3%	Below 2/2
23	California State University-NorthridgeCA · Master's	$60,697 n=50	81% 5yr	$41,000	0.68×	Below -19%	Below 2/2
24	The University of Texas at El PasoTX · Bachelor's	$60,172 n=36	—	$14,894	0.25×	Above +68%	—
25	Boston UniversityMA · Doctoral	$60,156 n=19	89% 5yr	$76,965	1.28×	Below -21%	Below 2/2
26	University of Nebraska-LincolnNE · Doctoral	$60,133 n=20	—	—	—	Above +3%	—
27	Florida State UniversityFL · Doctoral	$60,076 n=38	63%	$52,754	0.88×	Above +8%	Below 1/2
28	Stony Brook UniversityNY · Doctoral	$59,933 n=33	61% 1yr	$76,688	1.28×	Below -16%	Below 2/2
29	University of FloridaFL · Master's	$59,913 n=21	—	—	—	Above +8%	Below 1/2
30	University of Southern CaliforniaCA · Doctoral	$59,885 n=23	—	$61,050	1.02×	Below -20%	Below 2/2
31	CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNY · Doctoral	$59,802 n=16	—	—	—	Below -16%	—
32	Stephen F Austin State UniversityTX · Master's	$59,471 n=22	—	$33,236	0.56×	Below -9%	—
33	University of RedlandsCA · Bachelor's	$59,275 n=17	—	$27,000	0.46×	Above +54%	—
34	The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyTX · Bachelor's	$59,218 n=68	88% 5yr	$15,175	0.26×	Above +66%	Clears 2/2
35	Vanderbilt UniversityTN · Bachelor's	$59,217 n=29	78% 5yr	$21,500	0.36×	Above +69%	Clears 2/2
36	The University of Texas at ArlingtonTX · Bachelor's	$59,198 n=53	70%	$22,714	0.38×	Above +66%	Clears 2/2
37	Sam Houston State UniversityTX · Bachelor's	$58,743 n=65	85%	$25,630	0.44×	Above +64%	Clears 2/2
38	University of North Carolina at Chapel HillNC · Bachelor's	$58,127 n=60	62% 1yr	$18,007	0.31×	Above +69%	Clears 2/2
39	University of California-San DiegoCA · Bachelor's	$58,071 n=32	—	$19,500	0.34×	Above +51%	—
40	University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignIL · Doctoral	$58,016 n=32	68% 1yr	$60,178	1.04×	Below -15%	Below 2/2
41	Colorado State University-Fort CollinsCO · Master's	$57,772 n=50	77% 5yr	$40,506	0.70×	Below -15%	Below 2/2
42	SUNY at FredoniaNY · Master's	$57,662 n=26	85% 1yr	$23,582	0.41×	Below -19%	Below 2/2
43	Ohio State University-Main CampusOH · Doctoral	$57,576 n=18	76% 5yr	$51,339	0.89×	Below -8%	Below 2/2
44	Texas Tech UniversityTX · Doctoral	$57,408 n=25	—	$41,586	0.72×	Below -12%	—
45	Texas A&M University-KingsvilleTX · Bachelor's	$57,117 n=26	86% 5yr	$31,000	0.54×	Above +60%	Clears 2/2
46	University of MemphisTN · Master's	$57,099 n=22	87% 1yr	$24,597	0.43×	Above +0%	—
47	Texas Tech UniversityTX · Bachelor's	$57,043 n=75	74% 5yr	$27,000	0.47×	Above +60%	Clears 2/2
48	Texas Woman's UniversityTX · Bachelor's	$56,884 n=23	76% 1yr	$22,137	0.39×	Above +59%	—
49	Hofstra UniversityNY · Bachelor's	$56,847 n=16	65% 5yr	$26,500	0.47×	Above +49%	Clears 2/2
50	University of GeorgiaGA · Doctoral	$56,716 n=20	—	—	—	Below -10%	Below 2/2
51	Tarleton State UniversityTX · Bachelor's	$56,671 n=18	—	$26,200	0.46×	Above +59%	—
52	University of HoustonTX · Bachelor's	$56,667 n=59	78%	$25,000	0.44×	Above +58%	Clears 2/2
53	University of Colorado BoulderCO · Doctoral	$56,459 n=33	79% 5yr	$33,336	0.59×	Below -16%	Below 2/2
54	University of ConnecticutCT · Bachelor's	$56,104 n=32	80% 5yr	$24,148	0.43×	Above +33%	Below 1/2
55	University of Connecticut-Avery PointCT · Bachelor's	$56,104 n=32	80% 5yr	$24,148	0.43×	Above +33%	Below 1/2
56	University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusCT · Bachelor's	$56,104 n=32	80% 5yr	$24,148	0.43×	Above +33%	Below 1/2
57	University of Connecticut-StamfordCT · Bachelor's	$56,104 n=32	80% 5yr	$24,148	0.43×	Above +33%	Below 1/2
58	University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusCT · Bachelor's	$56,104 n=32	80% 5yr	$24,148	0.43×	Above +33%	Below 1/2
59	Rutgers University-CamdenNJ · Bachelor's	$56,008 n=64	57% 1yr	$25,492	0.46×	Above +40%	Below 1/2
60	Rutgers University-New BrunswickNJ · Bachelor's	$56,008 n=64	57% 1yr	$25,492	0.46×	Above +40%	Below 1/2
61	Rutgers University-NewarkNJ · Bachelor's	$56,008 n=64	57% 1yr	$25,492	0.46×	Above +40%	Below 1/2
62	University of MiamiFL · Master's	$55,826 n=39	59%	$59,534	1.07×	Above +1%	Below 1/2
63	University of North TexasTX · Bachelor's	$55,705 n=169	51%	$23,425	0.42×	Above +56%	Clears 2/2
64	Monmouth UniversityNJ · Bachelor's	$55,526 n=47	69% 5yr	$24,625	0.44×	Above +39%	Below 1/2
65	Berklee College of MusicMA · Master's	$55,467 n=164	26%	$41,000	0.74×	Below -27%	Below 2/2
66	East Texas A&M UniversityTX · Bachelor's	$55,438 n=37	85% 5yr	$24,728	0.45×	Above +55%	Clears 2/2
67	University of Nevada-Las VegasNV · Bachelor's	$55,161 n=29	71% 5yr	$30,500	0.55×	Above +47%	Below 1/2
68	University of HartfordCT · Master's	$54,836 n=21	—	$19,227	0.35×	Below -27%	Below 2/2
69	University of Missouri-Kansas CityMO · Doctoral	$54,810 n=26	86% 5yr	$39,598	0.72×	Below -5%	Below 2/2
70	Montclair State UniversityNJ · Master's	$54,787 n=23	68% 1yr	$41,000	0.75×	Below -29%	—
71	Illinois State UniversityIL · Bachelor's	$54,767 n=32	70% 5yr	$20,500	0.37×	Above +45%	Clears 2/2
72	University of South Carolina-ColumbiaSC · Master's	$54,634 n=24	66% 1yr	$38,386	0.70×	Below -5%	Below 2/2
73	University of Nevada-Las VegasNV · Master's	$54,262 n=18	—	—	—	Below -5%	Below 2/2
74	Lebanon Valley CollegePA · Bachelor's	$54,235 n=25	69% 1yr	$26,846	0.49×	Above +44%	Clears 2/2
75	University of Maryland-College ParkMD · Master's	$54,160 n=30	60%	$33,000	0.61×	Below -29%	Below 2/2
76	University of North Carolina School of the ArtsNC · Master's	$54,140 n=22	—	—	—	Below -8%	Below 2/2
77	Lamar UniversityTX · Bachelor's	$53,904 n=17	—	$20,768	0.39×	Above +51%	Clears 2/2
78	The University of Texas at San AntonioTX · Bachelor's	$53,878 n=62	76% 5yr	$23,703	0.44×	Above +51%	Clears 2/2
79	Northwestern UniversityIL · Bachelor's	$53,875 n=58	57%	$18,039	0.34×	Above +43%	Clears 2/2
80	Tennessee State UniversityTN · Bachelor's	$53,483 n=18	—	$31,000	0.58×	Above +53%	—
81	Indiana University-BloomingtonIN · Doctoral	$53,477 n=40	80% 5yr	$64,754	1.21×	Below -8%	Below 2/2
82	George Mason UniversityVA · Master's	$53,431 n=17	—	$50,660	0.95×	Below -25%	Below 2/2
83	University of Massachusetts-LowellMA · Bachelor's	$53,384 n=102	81% 5yr	$27,000	0.51×	Above +23%	Below 1/2
84	Norwich UniversityVT · Master's	$53,360 n=16	—	$49,199	0.92×	Below -1%	—
85	University of Nebraska-LincolnNE · Master's	$53,139 n=20	75% 5yr	$33,392	0.63×	Below -9%	Below 2/2
86	University of DenverCO · Master's	$53,050 n=30	—	$41,000	0.77×	Below -21%	—
87	University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeWI · Master's	$53,047 n=19	—	—	—	Below -14%	—
88	The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleTN · Master's	$53,019 n=31	79% 5yr	$34,623	0.65×	Below -7%	Below 2/2
89	Texas Tech UniversityTX · Master's	$52,995 n=18	—	—	—	Below -19%	—
90	Texas A & M International UniversityTX · Bachelor's	$52,870 n=23	—	—	—	Above +48%	—
91	New York UniversityNY · Bachelor's	$52,841 n=74	31%	$25,000	0.47×	Above +39%	Below 1/2
92	New York UniversityNY · Master's	$52,777 n=121	44%	$103,403	1.96×	Below -26%	Below 2/2
93	University of KansasKS · Doctoral	$52,762 n=22	—	$60,534	1.15×	Below -10%	—
94	University of Rhode IslandRI · Bachelor's	$52,346 n=23	—	$23,000	0.44×	Above +25%	Clears 2/2
95	Stephen F Austin State UniversityTX · Bachelor's	$52,341 n=89	70%	$26,000	0.50×	Above +46%	Clears 2/2
96	Texas State UniversityTX · Bachelor's	$52,320 n=86	62%	$23,250	0.44×	Above +46%	Clears 2/2
97	University of RochesterNY · Doctoral	$52,257 n=43	71% 5yr	$75,030	1.44×	Below -26%	Below 2/2
98	Furman UniversitySC · Bachelor's	$52,225 n=24	—	$20,500	0.39×	Above +52%	Clears 2/2
99	Michigan State UniversityMI · Bachelor's	$52,132 n=69	51%	$26,750	0.51×	Above +49%	Clears 2/2
100	Old Dominion UniversityVA · Bachelor's	$52,028 n=21	—	$25,500	0.49×	Above +37%	—
101	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeLA · Master's	$51,887 n=34	51% 1yr	$35,102	0.68×	Below -10%	—
102	James Madison UniversityVA · Bachelor's	$51,882 n=59	73% 5yr	$20,968	0.40×	Above +36%	Clears 2/2
103	San Francisco Conservatory of MusicCA · Master's	$51,822 n=60	67%	$64,250	1.24×	Below -31%	Below 2/2
104	Johns Hopkins UniversityMD · Master's	$51,713 n=78	32%	$57,528	1.11×	Below -32%	Below 2/2
105	Ithaca CollegeNY · Bachelor's	$51,338 n=57	61%	$27,000	0.53×	Above +35%	Clears 2/2
106	Ohio State University-Main CampusOH · Bachelor's	$51,310 n=28	69% 5yr	$25,500	0.50×	Above +39%	Below 1/2
107	Rhode Island CollegeRI · Bachelor's	$51,090 n=23	76% 5yr	$14,133	0.28×	Above +22%	Below 1/2
108	Central Washington UniversityWA · Bachelor's	$51,008 n=30	—	$26,000	0.51×	Above +20%	Below 1/2
109	Luther CollegeIA · Bachelor's	$50,947 n=64	79% 5yr	$27,000	0.53×	Above +32%	Clears 2/2
110	Biola UniversityCA · Bachelor's	$50,781 n=37	—	$26,417	0.52×	Above +32%	Clears 2/2
111	Rice UniversityTX · Master's	$50,777 n=59	42%	$27,000	0.53×	Below -23%	Below 2/2
112	Miami University-OxfordOH · Bachelor's	$50,680 n=20	—	$27,000	0.53×	Above +38%	—
113	Florida International UniversityFL · Bachelor's	$50,677 n=41	61% 5yr	$12,722	0.25×	Above +50%	Below 1/2
114	University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignIL · Bachelor's	$50,544 n=45	—	$24,148	0.48×	Above +34%	Below 1/2
115	University of Akron Main CampusOH · Master's	$50,460 n=18	—	—	—	Below -20%	—
116	Montclair State UniversityNJ · Bachelor's	$50,418 n=76	76% 5yr	$27,000	0.54×	Above +26%	Clears 2/2
117	Ohio University-Main CampusOH · Master's	$50,365 n=23	—	—	—	Below -20%	—
118	Wayne State UniversityMI · Bachelor's	$50,340 n=37	60% 5yr	$22,452	0.45×	Above +44%	Clears 2/2
119	University of IowaIA · Bachelor's	$50,180 n=28	69% 1yr	$27,000	0.54×	Above +30%	Clears 2/2
120	Florida State UniversityFL · Master's	$50,069 n=45	53% 5yr	$27,029	0.54×	Below -10%	Below 2/2
121	University of Cincinnati-Main CampusOH · Doctoral	$49,909 n=21	—	$50,591	1.01×	Below -21%	—
122	University of KentuckyKY · Doctoral	$49,845 n=21	73% 1yr	$49,053	0.98×	Below -12%	—
123	Wichita State UniversityKS · Master's	$49,779 n=18	—	$27,500	0.55×	Below -15%	Below 2/2
124	University of North Carolina at CharlotteNC · Bachelor's	$49,761 n=22	57% 1yr	$26,000	0.52×	Above +45%	—
125	Indiana State UniversityIN · Bachelor's	$49,711 n=35	96% 5yr	$26,250	0.53×	Above +33%	Below 1/2
126	University of ArizonaAZ · Master's	$49,602 n=22	—	$33,881	0.68×	Below -19%	Below 2/2
127	Auburn UniversityAL · Bachelor's	$49,555 n=16	—	$25,000	0.50×	Above +44%	Clears 2/2
128	Oklahoma City UniversityOK · Master's	$49,533 n=33	—	$39,946	0.81×	Below -9%	Below 2/2
129	Vermont State UniversityVT · Bachelor's	$49,438 n=33	66% 5yr	—	—	Above +26%	—
130	University of UtahUT · Bachelor's	$49,240 n=36	67% 1yr	$15,500	0.32×	Above +24%	—
131	Eastern Illinois UniversityIL · Bachelor's	$49,236 n=28	86% 5yr	$26,000	0.53×	Above +31%	Clears 2/2
132	University of KansasKS · Master's	$49,191 n=19	—	$41,000	0.83×	Below -16%	—
133	San Francisco Conservatory of MusicCA · Bachelor's	$49,186 n=28	—	$27,000	0.55×	Above +28%	Below 1/2
134	Texas Woman's UniversityTX · Master's	$49,163 n=26	—	$48,373	0.98×	Below -25%	—
135	University of DelawareDE · Bachelor's	$49,145 n=21	—	$25,334	0.52×	Above +28%	—
136	Grand Valley State UniversityMI · Bachelor's	$49,111 n=49	68% 5yr	$29,075	0.59×	Above +40%	Clears 2/2
137	Bard CollegeNY · Master's	$48,961 n=75	50% 1yr	$48,000	0.98×	Below -31%	—
138	West Texas A & M UniversityTX · Bachelor's	$48,656 n=41	88% 5yr	$22,500	0.46×	Above +36%	Clears 2/2
139	Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main CampusPA · Bachelor's	$48,630 n=41	76%	$27,000	0.56×	Above +29%	Below 1/2
140	University of DenverCO · Bachelor's	$48,461 n=19	87% 5yr	$23,559	0.49×	Above +17%	Below 1/2
141	University of IowaIA · Master's	$48,460 n=17	—	$44,630	0.92×	Below -18%	Below 2/2
142	University of Silicon ValleyCA · Bachelor's	$48,360 n=25	—	$33,312	0.69×	Above +26%	—
143	West Virginia UniversityWV · Bachelor's	$48,226 n=35	—	$23,975	0.50×	Above +37%	Clears 2/2
144	Arizona State University Campus ImmersionAZ · Doctoral	$48,038 n=37	81% 5yr	$62,503	1.30×	Below -22%	Below 2/2
145	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityVA · Bachelor's	$48,028 n=23	—	$27,000	0.56×	Above +26%	Below 1/2
146	University of Nebraska-LincolnNE · Bachelor's	$47,990 n=25	90% 5yr	$23,250	0.48×	Above +29%	Clears 2/2
147	University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMN · Master's	$47,890 n=29	—	$42,700	0.89×	Below -30%	—
148	Texas Christian UniversityTX · Master's	$47,885 n=16	—	—	—	Below -27%	—
149	University of GeorgiaGA · Master's	$47,875 n=18	—	—	—	Below -24%	Below 2/2
150	University of Missouri-Kansas CityMO · Master's	$47,852 n=32	72%	$32,000	0.67×	Below -17%	Below 2/2
151	California State University-Long BeachCA · Bachelor's	$47,831 n=71	35%	$21,050	0.44×	Above +24%	Below 1/2
152	University of California-Los AngelesCA · Bachelor's	$47,779 n=41	63%	$20,000	0.42×	Above +24%	Below 1/2
153	University of St ThomasMN · Bachelor's	$47,724 n=17	—	—	—	Above +19%	—
154	University of Maryland-College ParkMD · Bachelor's	$47,654 n=17	—	$21,614	0.45×	Above +13%	Below 1/2
155	Radford UniversityVA · Bachelor's	$47,586 n=29	63% 1yr	$26,280	0.55×	Above +25%	—
156	Jacksonville State UniversityAL · Bachelor's	$47,582 n=30	81% 5yr	$28,000	0.59×	Above +38%	Clears 2/2
157	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeLA · Bachelor's	$47,521 n=29	100%	$19,455	0.41×	Above +36%	Clears 2/2
158	University of New Hampshire-Main CampusNH · Bachelor's	$47,448 n=38	78% 5yr	$27,000	0.57×	Above +7%	Below 1/2
159	University of IowaIA · Doctoral	$47,407 n=25	71% 1yr	$47,931	1.01×	Below -20%	Below 2/2
160	Northern Kentucky UniversityKY · Bachelor's	$47,343 n=20	—	$26,803	0.57×	Above +36%	Below 1/2
161	University of ArizonaAZ · Doctoral	$47,280 n=18	—	$72,500	1.53×	Below -23%	Below 2/2
162	Rowan UniversityNJ · Bachelor's	$47,208 n=81	78% 5yr	$25,898	0.55×	Above +18%	Clears 2/2
163	The University of Texas at AustinTX · Bachelor's	$47,164 n=71	77% 5yr	$24,625	0.52×	Above +32%	Clears 2/2
164	University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireWI · Bachelor's	$47,079 n=46	76% 5yr	$25,557	0.54×	Above +21%	Clears 2/2
165	University of New HavenCT · Bachelor's	$47,057 n=39	90%	$27,000	0.57×	Above +11%	Below 1/2
166	University of South FloridaFL · Master's	$46,862 n=21	65% 5yr	$26,543	0.57×	Below -16%	Below 2/2
167	George Mason UniversityVA · Bachelor's	$46,765 n=50	56%	$21,917	0.47×	Above +23%	Clears 2/2
168	North Central CollegeIL · Bachelor's	$46,744 n=17	—	$27,000	0.58×	Above +24%	—
169	Arizona State University Campus ImmersionAZ · Master's	$46,731 n=38	50%	$40,760	0.87×	Below -24%	Below 2/2
170	The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleTN · Bachelor's	$46,701 n=39	44%	$23,331	0.50×	Above +34%	Below 1/2
171	University of TulsaOK · Bachelor's	$46,662 n=23	—	$21,500	0.46×	Above +32%	—
172	Frostburg State UniversityMD · Bachelor's	$46,546 n=24	—	$26,375	0.57×	Above +11%	—
173	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusCO · Bachelor's	$46,532 n=117	55%	$23,499	0.51×	Above +12%	Below 1/2
174	Baylor UniversityTX · Master's	$46,515 n=16	—	$30,000	0.65×	Below -29%	—
175	Mercer UniversityGA · Bachelor's	$46,502 n=18	—	$26,499	0.57×	Above +32%	—
176	Illinois State UniversityIL · Master's	$46,476 n=25	67% 5yr	$31,482	0.68×	Below -32%	Below 2/2
177	Georgia State UniversityGA · Master's	$46,454 n=33	74% 5yr	$39,375	0.85×	Below -26%	Below 2/2
178	University of Central ArkansasAR · Bachelor's	$46,446 n=26	—	$25,500	0.55×	Above +36%	Clears 2/2
179	The Juilliard SchoolNY · Master's	$46,372 n=70	50%	$41,000	0.88×	Below -35%	Below 2/2
180	University of ArkansasAR · Bachelor's	$46,352 n=31	62% 5yr	$26,256	0.57×	Above +36%	Clears 2/2
181	Liberty UniversityVA · Master's	$46,324 n=26	67% 1yr	$34,061	0.73×	Below -35%	—
182	Tennessee Technological UniversityTN · Bachelor's	$46,253 n=32	50%	$15,250	0.33×	Above +32%	Clears 2/2
183	Duquesne UniversityPA · Bachelor's	$46,217 n=37	51%	$27,000	0.58×	Above +23%	Below 1/2
184	University of South Carolina-ColumbiaSC · Doctoral	$46,203 n=16	—	—	—	Below -19%	Below 2/2
185	Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleIL · Bachelor's	$46,196 n=21	—	$22,500	0.49×	Above +23%	—
186	University of Northwestern-St PaulMN · Bachelor's	$46,177 n=18	—	$24,313	0.53×	Above +16%	—
187	The Catholic University of AmericaDC · Bachelor's	$46,123 n=42	60%	$23,546	0.51×	Above +28%	Below 1/2
188	Bowling Green State University-Main CampusOH · Master's	$46,069 n=73	30%	$32,465	0.70×	Below -27%	Below 2/2
189	Rider UniversityNJ · Master's	$45,928 n=53	73% 5yr	$41,000	0.89×	Below -40%	Below 2/2
190	Rollins CollegeFL · Bachelor's	$45,910 n=31	55%	$27,000	0.59×	Above +36%	Below 1/2
191	University of Minnesota-DuluthMN · Bachelor's	$45,834 n=18	—	$21,126	0.46×	Above +15%	—
192	SUNY at FredoniaNY · Bachelor's	$45,794 n=47	47%	$25,584	0.56×	Above +20%	Below 1/2
193	University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusOK · Bachelor's	$45,781 n=21	—	$22,779	0.50×	Above +29%	—
194	University of OregonOR · Master's	$45,719 n=28	64% 5yr	$33,462	0.73×	Below -26%	—
195	The University of Texas at TylerTX · Bachelor's	$45,651 n=16	—	—	—	Above +28%	—
196	North Dakota State University-Main CampusND · Bachelor's	$45,578 n=23	76% 5yr	$16,250	0.36×	Above +11%	Clears 2/2
197	University of MiamiFL · Doctoral	$45,553 n=16	—	—	—	Below -18%	Below 2/2
198	The New England Conservatory of MusicMA · Master's	$45,532 n=109	31%	$41,000	0.90×	Below -40%	Below 2/2
199	University of California-Los AngelesCA · Master's	$45,410 n=25	—	$37,820	0.83×	Below -40%	Below 2/2
200	University of MemphisTN · Bachelor's	$45,321 n=46	72% 5yr	$20,545	0.45×	Above +30%	Clears 2/2
201	University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWI · Bachelor's	$45,306 n=31	89% 5yr	$25,000	0.55×	Above +16%	Clears 2/2
202	University of Southern CaliforniaCA · Master's	$45,304 n=61	41%	$64,278	1.42×	Below -40%	Below 2/2
203	University of South Carolina-ColumbiaSC · Bachelor's	$45,181 n=42	87% 5yr	$27,000	0.60×	Above +31%	Clears 2/2
204	University of Colorado BoulderCO · Master's	$45,110 n=25	80%	$41,000	0.91×	Below -33%	Below 2/2
205	Austin Peay State UniversityTN · Bachelor's	$45,100 n=24	71% 1yr	$30,900	0.69×	Above +29%	—
206	Youngstown State UniversityOH · Master's	$45,051 n=18	—	—	—	Below -28%	—
207	California State Polytechnic University-PomonaCA · Bachelor's	$44,910 n=41	64% 5yr	$17,750	0.40×	Above +17%	Clears 2/2
208	The University of Tennessee-MartinTN · Bachelor's	$44,910 n=19	—	$20,538	0.46×	Above +28%	Clears 2/2
209	DePaul UniversityIL · Bachelor's	$44,756 n=42	69%	$22,379	0.50×	Above +19%	Below 1/2
210	Southern Methodist UniversityTX · Master's	$44,670 n=33	77% 5yr	$30,710	0.69×	Below -32%	Below 2/2
211	Ohio University-Chillicothe CampusOH · Bachelor's	$44,593 n=45	68% 1yr	$26,750	0.60×	Above +21%	Clears 2/2
212	Ohio University-Eastern CampusOH · Bachelor's	$44,593 n=45	68% 1yr	$26,750	0.60×	Above +21%	Clears 2/2
213	Ohio University-Main CampusOH · Bachelor's	$44,593 n=45	68% 1yr	$26,750	0.60×	Above +21%	Clears 2/2
214	Ohio University-Zanesville CampusOH · Bachelor's	$44,593 n=45	68% 1yr	$26,750	0.60×	Above +21%	Clears 2/2
215	Florida State UniversityFL · Bachelor's	$44,454 n=75	53%	$23,000	0.52×	Above +32%	Clears 2/2
216	Indiana University-BloomingtonIN · Master's	$44,312 n=76	72%	$41,000	0.93×	Below -24%	Below 2/2
217	Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusPA · Bachelor's	$44,241 n=27	—	$26,438	0.60×	Above +17%	Below 1/2
218	Temple UniversityPA · Master's	$44,122 n=37	62%	$37,500	0.85×	Below -31%	Below 2/2
219	CUNY City CollegeNY · Bachelor's	$44,058 n=39	55% 5yr	$21,637	0.49×	Above +16%	—
220	University of North TexasTX · Master's	$44,040 n=39	56%	$35,608	0.81×	Below -33%	Below 2/2
221	Bowling Green State University-Main CampusOH · Bachelor's	$44,037 n=37	—	$27,000	0.61×	Above +20%	Below 1/2
222	Western Carolina UniversityNC · Bachelor's	$44,014 n=37	77% 5yr	$26,000	0.59×	Above +28%	Clears 2/2
223	Middle Tennessee State UniversityTN · Bachelor's	$43,999 n=72	80% 5yr	$20,083	0.46×	Above +26%	Clears 2/2
224	Wright State University-Main CampusOH · Bachelor's	$43,884 n=18	—	—	—	Above +19%	—
225	Northern Arizona UniversityAZ · Bachelor's	$43,792 n=29	—	$21,913	0.50×	Above +19%	Below 1/2
226	University of Michigan-Ann ArborMI · Bachelor's	$43,777 n=83	37%	$18,997	0.43×	Above +25%	Below 1/2
227	Rider UniversityNJ · Bachelor's	$43,753 n=95	34%	$27,000	0.62×	Above +10%	Below 1/2
228	University of HartfordCT · Bachelor's	$43,700 n=77	51%	$27,000	0.62×	Above +3%	Below 1/2
229	Millikin UniversityIL · Bachelor's	$43,388 n=36	44%	$26,996	0.62×	Above +15%	Below 1/2
230	Lawrence UniversityWI · Bachelor's	$43,385 n=42	71%	$18,988	0.44×	Above +11%	Below 1/2
231	Oberlin CollegeOH · Bachelor's	$43,343 n=40	72%	$25,500	0.59×	Above +18%	Below 1/2
232	Boston UniversityMA · Master's	$43,249 n=32	66%	$39,771	0.92×	Below -43%	Below 2/2
233	Kent State University at KentOH · Bachelor's	$43,222 n=35	—	$28,000	0.65×	Above +17%	Below 1/2
234	Capital UniversityOH · Bachelor's	$43,125 n=74	65%	$27,000	0.63×	Above +17%	Clears 2/2
235	University of California-IrvineCA · Bachelor's	$43,120 n=16	—	$19,500	0.45×	Above +12%	—
236	University of the PacificCA · Bachelor's	$43,093 n=17	—	$26,017	0.60×	Above +12%	—
237	Central Michigan UniversityMI · Bachelor's	$43,089 n=33	76% 5yr	$28,000	0.65×	Above +23%	Clears 2/2
238	Liberty UniversityVA · Bachelor's	$42,960 n=67	61% 5yr	$27,000	0.63×	Above +13%	Below 1/2
239	Shenandoah UniversityVA · Master's	$42,787 n=16	—	—	—	Below -40%	—
240	California State University-SacramentoCA · Bachelor's	$42,774 n=42	59% 5yr	$19,241	0.45×	Above +11%	Below 1/2
241	University of Nebraska at OmahaNE · Bachelor's	$42,768 n=18	—	$19,832	0.46×	Above +15%	Below 1/2
242	University of Missouri-Kansas CityMO · Bachelor's	$42,708 n=23	—	$18,740	0.44×	Above +19%	Below 1/2
243	University of Central MissouriMO · Bachelor's	$42,610 n=16	—	$21,500	0.51×	Above +19%	—
244	University of RochesterNY · Master's	$42,543 n=64	39%	$44,399	1.04×	Below -40%	Below 2/2
245	Commonwealth University of PennsylvaniaPA · Bachelor's	$42,481 n=37	69% 5yr	—	—	Above +13%	—
246	St Olaf CollegeMN · Bachelor's	$42,439 n=38	85% 5yr	$23,500	0.55×	Above +6%	Clears 2/2
247	University of Central OklahomaOK · Bachelor's	$42,355 n=52	33%	$19,000	0.45×	Above +20%	Below 1/2
248	University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyMD · Bachelor's	$42,289 n=17	—	$26,250	0.62×	Above +1%	Below 1/2
249	California State University-ChicoCA · Bachelor's	$42,269 n=63	44%	$23,500	0.56×	Above +10%	Below 1/2
250	University of Nevada-RenoNV · Master's	$42,242 n=16	—	—	—	Below -26%	—

Showing the top 250 of 397 institution-programs by median earnings; 147 lower-earning programs are omitted from the table for length.

% > threshold is ED's own share of graduates earning above the federal earnings threshold, taken from the best available measurement window (4-, 5- or 1-year) pooled across all nine College Scorecard Field-of-Study releases; a chip marks any figure not on the 4-year window. Earnings premium compares median earnings four years out to the U.S. Census ACS median for a high-school graduate (undergraduate credentials) or bachelor's-degree holder (graduate credentials) in the institution's state. 2 of 3 yrs flags programs below that benchmark in two of the latest three reported cohort-years — the statutory trigger under the 2025 federal earnings-premium test (effective July 1, 2026). Indicative estimates; the Department of Education's official determination may differ. Figures lag the current year by 2–3 years.

By state — median earnings, 4 yrs out

State	Median earn 4yr	Programs
Connecticut	$55,470	10
Nevada	$54,262	3
Texas	$53,878	35
New Jersey	$52,602	14
Nebraska	$50,564	4
Kansas	$49,779	3
Vermont	$49,438	3
South Carolina	$49,214	4
Michigan	$49,111	11
Iowa	$48,460	5
Virginia	$47,176	12
Wisconsin	$46,192	6
Minnesota	$45,834	7
Florida	$45,553	17
Arizona	$45,262	8
Tennessee	$45,210	14
Colorado	$45,110	11
Ohio	$44,593	23
Maryland	$44,418	10
Oklahoma	$44,068	6
New York	$44,058	25
Massachusetts	$43,249	13
California	$42,774	35
Illinois	$42,619	22
Missouri	$42,610	7

States with at least 3 reporting Music programs, by median graduate earnings.

Frequently asked

Which colleges have the highest-paying Music programs?

By median earnings four years after completion, the highest-paying Music programs in this dataset are New Jersey City University ($82,054), Central Washington University ($79,115), Messiah University ($77,342). Earnings reflect College Scorecard field-of-study data (2024-25) and vary by credential level and location.

Are Music programs at risk under the federal earnings-premium test?

Indicatively, 166 of the 397 Music programs with both earnings and a state/national benchmark have median graduate earnings below the earnings-premium benchmark used by the 2025 federal test (effective July 1, 2026), under which a program can lose Title IV eligibility if its graduates earn less than a typical worker without the credential for 2 of 3 years. This estimate uses College Scorecard earnings vs U.S. Census ACS medians; the Department of Education's official determination uses its own cohort definition and may differ.

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Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard Field of Study, 2014–15 through 2022–23 cohorts plus the most-recent snapshot (2024-25); threshold pass-rates pooled across all nine releases. Earnings-premium benchmarks from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS). Compiled by Ibex Insights. See the methodology.