Compare 26 Music. programs in California. Average earnings: $28,632.
Music programs produce graduates earning between $21,509 and $50,875—a $29K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 26 ranked programs in California, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Topping the list, Biola University's program delivers $50,875 in median earnings, followed closely by California State Polytechnic University-Pomona at $50,200. The average across all programs is $28,632, yet these top performers nearly double typical outcomes—proof that program-level factors drive success more than overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona graduates borrow $16,000 and face just a 7.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their $50,200 post-grad income, achieving a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.32.
Highest program earnings: $50,875
Strong outcomes ($50,875) with 60% acceptance
7.9% payment burden | Excellent
16.5% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Biola UniversityPrivate | $50,875 | 24 | $23,875 | Good | $50,726 | High |
| #2 | $50,200 | 60 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $40,840 | 21 | $13,000 | Good | $25,733 | High | |
| #4 | $34,625 | 68 | $14,000 | Manageable | $26,176 | High | |
| #5 | $34,258 | 63 | $15,000 | Manageable | $25,565 | High | |
| #6 | Chapman UniversityPrivate | $33,946 | 31 | $20,500 | Challenging | $44,954 | High |
| #7 | $32,473 | 125 | $13,872 | Challenging | $13,522 | High | |
| #8 | Azusa Pacific UniversityPrivate | $32,216 | 28 | $23,219 | High | $26,000 | High |
| #9 | $31,496 | 32 | $15,000 | Challenging | $16,507 | High | |
| #10 | $31,340 | 23 | $20,500 | High | $26,205 | High | |
| #11 | $30,062 | 44 | $16,552 | High | $17,585 | High | |
| #12 | $28,309 | 32 | $15,500 | High | $24,257 | High | |
| #13 | $28,306 | 113 | $14,289 | High | $15,177 | High | |
| #14 | $28,009 | 20 | $12,750 | High | $16,836 | High | |
| #15 | $27,724 | 19 | $14,715 | High | $12,000 | High | |
| #16 | $26,353 | 14 | $16,666 | High | $28,682 | High | |
| #17 | $25,580 | 61 | $18,000 | High | $31,803 | High | |
| #18 | $24,369 | 33 | $13,000 | High | $28,508 | High | |
| #19 | $21,695 | 21 | $18,000 | High | $18,257 | High | |
| #20 | $21,509 | 28 | $13,000 | High | $12,526 | High | |
| #21 | $21,320 | 33 | $27,000 | High | $62,612 | High | |
| #22 | $20,354 | 67 | $13,750 | High | $16,538 | High | |
| #23 | $20,140 | 27 | $15,371 | High | $19,732 | High | |
| #24 | $18,862 | 48 | $25,000 | High | $60,000 | High | |
| #25 | $18,087 | 21 | $21,669 | High | $32,125 | 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 →
