Compare 7 Music. programs in Indiana. Average earnings: $31,968.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Music tells a different story. Across 7 programs, earnings range from $21,508 to $42,268—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Ball State University's Music program leads with graduates earning $42,268, substantially above the $32K state average. Indiana State follows at $37K, while Indiana University-Bloomington trails at $36K despite its broader reputation—proof that program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Ball State graduates borrow $23,250 and face a 16.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. Indiana State shows a concerning 22.8% burden, while IU-Bloomington hits 20.1%—demonstrating that the earnings leader also offers the most sustainable debt load.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ball State UniversityPublic | $42,268 | 19 | $23,250 | Manageable | $20,800 | High |
| #2 | Indiana State UniversityPublic | $36,998 | 26 | $24,000 | Challenging | $17,049 | High |
| #3 | $35,918 | 140 | $19,509 | Challenging | $32,850 | High | |
| #4 | $30,771 | 8 | $20,000 | High | $17,205 | High | |
| #5 | Depauw UniversityPrivate | $30,346 | 26 | $27,000 | High | $35,134 | High |
| #6 | $25,967 | 14 | $25,976 | High | $18,705 | High | |
| #7 | $21,508 | 8 | $24,250 | High | $12,987 | 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 →
