Compare 17 Music Management. programs in the South. Average earnings: $31,658.
Music Management programs produce graduates earning between $19,227 and $44,571—a $25K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 17 ranked programs in the South, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Appalachian State University's Music Management program leads with graduates earning $44,571, while the regional average sits at $31,658. Close behind, Belmont University produces graduates earning $43,117 despite a 96% acceptance rate. These results prove that regional publics compete directly with private institutions in specialized fields.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Appalachian State graduates borrow $20,231 and face a 12.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. When parent loans are included, the burden jumps to 28%, but student borrowers alone maintain reasonable monthly payments relative to their income.
Highest program earnings: $44,571
Strong outcomes with 89% acceptance
12.6% payment burden | Manageable
28.3% family burden | High burden
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $44,571 | 27 | $20,231 | Manageable | $21,919 | High | |
| #2 | Belmont UniversityPrivate | $43,117 | 504 | $20,500 | Manageable | $72,092 | High |
| #3 | College Of CharlestonPublic | $38,817 | 82 | $23,250 | Challenging | $35,971 | High |
| #4 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $38,471 | 26 | $22,500 | Challenging | $30,006 | High |
| #5 | $38,153 | 57 | $26,000 | Challenging | $27,371 | High | |
| #6 | $35,951 | 36 | $22,077 | Challenging | $18,000 | High | |
| #7 | Howard UniversityPrivate | $34,772 | 18 | $24,500 | High | $58,682 | High |
| #8 | Dallas Baptist UniversityPrivate | $34,291 | 21 | $21,591 | High | $19,836 | High |
| #9 | $34,004 | 184 | $20,000 | Challenging | $14,229 | High | |
| #10 | Elon UniversityPrivate | $29,685 | 22 | $20,500 | High | $46,609 | High |
| #11 | $29,025 | 150 | $18,190 | High | $16,036 | High | |
| #12 | $28,990 | 30 | $22,858 | High | $14,638 | High | |
| #13 | Delta State UniversityPublic | $25,415 | 16 | $20,390 | High | $10,568 | High |
| #14 | $21,508 | 21 | $18,000 | High | $11,916 | High | |
| #15 | $21,508 | 38 | $22,500 | High | $14,301 | High | |
| #16 | $20,687 | 15 | $17,236 | High | $15,000 | High | |
| #17 | $19,227 | 16 | $20,121 | High | $23,000 | 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 →
