Compare 17 Music. programs in Illinois. Average earnings: $32,175.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Music tells a different story. Across 17 programs in Illinois, earnings range from $16,786 to $47,898—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Eastern Illinois University's Music program leads with graduates earning $47,898, compared to the state average of $32,175. Northwestern University, despite its 7% acceptance rate, ranks third with $39,940 earnings—proving that program outcomes don't mirror institutional prestige.
Eastern Illinois University dominates value metrics with Music graduates borrowing $21,500 and facing just an 11.6% payment burden, earning a 'Good' affordability rating. Northwestern's graduates borrow less ($15,000) but the payment burden comparison shows Eastern Illinois delivers better financial outcomes for most students.
Highest program earnings: $47,898
Strong outcomes ($47,898) with 68% acceptance
11.6% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
22.7% family burden | Challenging - payment 18-25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $47,898 | 13 | $21,500 | Good | $17,781 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $42,061 | 38 | $25,251 | Manageable | $20,764 | High | |
| #3 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $39,940 | 98 | $15,000 | Good | $26,966 | High |
| #4 | Wheaton CollegePrivate | $38,034 | 26 | $23,250 | Challenging | $35,000 | High |
| #5 | $37,981 | 42 | $20,482 | Challenging | $28,767 | High | |
| #6 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $36,529 | 26 | $23,168 | Challenging | $41,563 | High |
| #7 | $34,079 | 23 | $20,500 | Challenging | $21,500 | High | |
| #8 | Elmhurst UniversityPrivate | $32,032 | 16 | $20,489 | High | $27,470 | High |
| #9 | Columbia College ChicagoPrivate | $31,880 | 56 | $25,000 | High | $55,700 | High |
| #10 | Millikin UniversityPrivate | $31,684 | 30 | $27,000 | High | $25,486 | High |
| #11 | $28,248 | 51 | $19,500 | High | $34,511 | High | |
| #12 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | $28,137 | 8 | $27,000 | High | $41,405 | High |
| #13 | North Central CollegePrivate | $26,739 | 8 | $24,500 | High | $30,000 | High |
| #14 | Illinois Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | $25,995 | 15 | $27,000 | High | $47,679 | High |
| #15 | $25,600 | 37 | $22,162 | High | $19,508 | High | |
| #16 | $23,351 | 10 | $21,543 | High | $19,500 | High | |
| #17 | Roosevelt UniversityPrivate | $16,786 | 27 | $22,000 | High | $27,213 | 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 →
