Compare 319 Music. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $32,324. Top programs: $61,014+.
Music programs produce graduates earning between $48K and $61K—a $13K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 319 ranked programs, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Vanderbilt University's Music program leads with graduates earning $61,014, followed by UNC Chapel Hill at $57,343. But the hidden story is University of Houston—earning $55,639 with a 70% acceptance rate, proving accessible programs can deliver strong outcomes. The field average sits at $32,324.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Vanderbilt graduates borrow $14,000 and face just a 5% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, UT Rio Grande Valley leads with a 9.4% family burden, still in the 'Good' tier.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Vanderbilt UniversityPrivate | $61,014 | 50 | $14,000 | Excellent | $30,844 | Manageable |
| #2 | $57,343 | 47 | $14,000 | Excellent | $25,072 | Manageable | |
| #3 | University Of HoustonPublic | $55,639 | 66 | $18,194 | Excellent | $18,072 | Manageable |
| #4 | $55,090 | 39 | $12,950 | Excellent | $8,107 | Good | |
| #5 | $53,695 | 27 | $22,934 | Good | $14,224 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $53,056 | 11 | $22,250 | Good | $28,000 | Challenging | |
| #7 | Biola UniversityPrivate | $50,875 | 24 | $23,875 | Good | $50,726 | High |
| #8 | $50,800 | 42 | $20,500 | Good | $13,859 | Manageable | |
| #9 | Rowan UniversityPublic | $50,331 | 78 | $20,500 | Good | $27,445 | High |
| #10 | $50,200 | 60 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Manageable | |
| #11 | $49,536 | 39 | $20,500 | Good | $15,265 | Challenging | |
| #12 | $49,244 | 36 | $20,654 | Good | $31,890 | High | |
| #13 | $49,232 | 51 | $19,500 | Good | $12,719 | Manageable | |
| #14 | $48,986 | 59 | $20,500 | Good | $26,632 | High | |
| #15 | $48,780 | 12 | $11,512 | Excellent | $20,000 | Challenging | |
| #16 | $48,515 | 83 | $23,409 | Manageable | $18,080 | Challenging | |
| #17 | University Of Puget SoundPrivate | $47,904 | 10 | $25,000 | Manageable | $52,058 | High |
| #18 | $47,898 | 13 | $21,500 | Good | $17,781 | Challenging | |
| #19 | $47,846 | 21 | $18,000 | Good | $11,916 | Manageable | |
| #20 | Lamar UniversityPublic | $47,769 | 34 | $21,250 | Good | $11,359 | Challenging |
| #21 | $47,358 | 50 | $17,527 | Good | $12,313 | Manageable | |
| #22 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $46,916 | 55 | $19,500 | Good | $25,142 | High |
| #23 | James Madison UniversityPublic | $46,899 | 77 | $20,093 | Good | $37,285 | High |
| #24 | $46,692 | 16 | $23,000 | Manageable | $25,348 | High | |
| #25 | $46,495 | 42 | $20,000 | Good | $36,000 | 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 →
