Compare 8 Music. programs in Kentucky. Average earnings: $35,291.
The highest-earning Music program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $22K earnings gap across 8 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Murray State University's Music program leads with graduates earning $45,349. The average across all Kentucky programs is $35,291, but Murray State outperforms by $10K—demonstrating how regional publics can excel in specialized fields regardless of overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Murray State graduates borrow $20,500 and face a 12.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. However, when parent loans are included, that burden jumps to 25.1%, showing why families need to consider total borrowing costs.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Murray State UniversityPublic | $45,349 | 30 | $20,500 | Manageable | $18,465 | High |
| #2 | University Of LouisvillePublic | $43,388 | 27 | $20,500 | Manageable | $20,717 | High |
| #3 | $40,693 | 32 | $22,095 | Manageable | $18,310 | High | |
| #4 | $34,419 | 24 | $22,500 | High | $14,685 | High | |
| #5 | $32,700 | 25 | $22,250 | High | $10,050 | High | |
| #6 | $32,345 | 15 | $23,000 | High | $14,877 | High | |
| #7 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $29,851 | 26 | $22,500 | High | $30,006 | High |
| #8 | Bellarmine UniversityPrivate | $23,579 | 6 | $25,000 | High | $23,000 | 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 →
