Compare 7 Music. programs in Colorado. Average earnings: $32,152.
The highest-earning Music program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $23K earnings gap across 7 programs in Colorado, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins leads with Music graduates earning $46,495—nearly double the $24K earned at the lowest-performing program. The statewide average sits at $32,152, but this variation demonstrates that program quality varies dramatically even within the same state's higher education system.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Colorado State graduates borrow $20,000 and face an 11.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. However, when parent loans are included, even the top program carries a 35.2% family burden, showing loan payments can strain household budgets despite strong graduate outcomes.
Highest program earnings: $46,495
Strong outcomes with 90% acceptance
11.5% payment burden | Good
35.2% family burden | High burden
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $46,495 | 42 | $20,000 | Good | $36,000 | High | |
| #2 | $35,964 | 83 | $20,500 | Challenging | $21,716 | High | |
| #3 | $35,697 | 25 | $21,500 | Challenging | $13,743 | High | |
| #4 | University Of DenverPrivate | $30,103 | 27 | $21,844 | High | $27,813 | High |
| #5 | $27,476 | 9 | $21,500 | High | $14,786 | High | |
| #6 | $25,751 | 47 | $20,470 | High | $22,566 | High | |
| #7 | $23,579 | 49 | $19,500 | High | $46,340 | 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 →
