Compare 5 Music. programs in Iowa. Average earnings: $34,118.
With top graduates earning $44,566, Music stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $10K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
Luther College's Music program leads with graduates earning $44,566, well above the $34,118 average across Iowa's 5 ranked programs. The University of Iowa follows at $39,491, while University of Northern Iowa rounds out the top three at $33,150—a $20K range that reflects program-specific outcomes rather than overall school reputation.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Luther College graduates borrow $27,000 and face a 16.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. However, when parent loans are included, University of Iowa leads with a 44.3% family burden, proving that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Luther CollegePrivate | $44,566 | 52 | $27,000 | Manageable | $40,923 | High |
| #2 | University Of IowaPublic | $39,491 | 46 | $22,500 | Challenging | $27,975 | High |
| #3 | $33,150 | 26 | $19,691 | High | $17,670 | High | |
| #4 | Simpson CollegePrivate | $29,151 | 19 | $26,000 | High | $23,702 | High |
| #5 | Coe CollegePrivate | $24,233 | 9 | $27,000 | High | $30,674 | 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 →
