Compare 11 Music Management. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $34,380.
The highest-earning Music Management program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $21K earnings gap across 11 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Graduates earn between $26,739 and $47,906, variation that tracks program quality rather than overall school reputation.
Indiana University-Bloomington's Music Management program leads with graduates earning $47,906—39% above the $34,380 average. Elmhurst University follows at $39,691, while University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point reaches $36,250. The pattern reinforces that program strength varies independently of institutional prestige, with regional publics competing effectively.
Earnings tell only part of the story—debt burden reveals the full picture. Indiana University-Bloomington graduates borrow $19,509 and face a manageable 10.6% payment burden, earning a 'Good' affordability rating. With a 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, students can theoretically pay off loans with about 5 months of salary.
Highest program earnings: $47,906
Strong outcomes with 80% acceptance rate
10.6% payment burden | Good affordability
31.0% family burden | High burden category
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $47,906 | 55 | $19,509 | Good | $32,850 | High | |
| #2 | Elmhurst UniversityPrivate | $39,691 | 21 | $20,489 | Manageable | $27,470 | High |
| #3 | $36,250 | 13 | $21,503 | Challenging | $14,012 | High | |
| #4 | Columbia College ChicagoPrivate | $35,756 | 106 | $25,000 | High | $55,700 | High |
| #5 | Ferris State UniversityPublic | $35,585 | 20 | $21,000 | Challenging | $14,849 | High |
| #6 | Butler UniversityPrivate | $33,735 | 30 | $26,000 | High | $52,434 | High |
| #7 | Midland UniversityPrivate | $33,216 | 15 | $26,134 | High | $26,370 | High |
| #8 | Lindenwood UniversityPrivate | $32,925 | 8 | $26,000 | High | $18,445 | High |
| #9 | Baldwin Wallace UniversityPrivate | $29,088 | 15 | $27,000 | High | $31,484 | High |
| #10 | Anderson UniversityPrivate | $27,285 | 10 | $27,000 | High | $29,048 | High |
| #11 | $26,739 | 7 | $18,500 | High | $13,480 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
