Compare 6 Music. programs in Alabama. Average earnings: $34,995.
The highest-earning Music program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $24K earnings gap across 6 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Auburn University's Music program leads with graduates earning $44,916, well above the $35,000 average across Alabama programs. Jacksonville State University follows closely at $43,054—proof that regional publics compete effectively in specialized fields like music performance and education.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Auburn graduates borrow $21,000 and face a 12.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. For families considering parent loans, Jacksonville State leads with a 25.4% family burden, still challenging but better than alternatives.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $44,916 | 29 | $21,000 | Manageable | $43,605 | High |
| #2 | $43,054 | 35 | $22,189 | Manageable | $13,672 | High | |
| #3 | $37,262 | 15 | $24,929 | Challenging | $26,683 | High | |
| #4 | Talladega CollegePrivate | $36,376 | 7 | $28,500 | High | $14,827 | High |
| #5 | $27,309 | 19 | $22,077 | High | $18,000 | High | |
| #6 | $21,052 | 31 | $22,750 | High | $48,666 | 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 →
