Compare 6 Music. programs in Louisiana. Average earnings: $27,257.
The highest-earning Music program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $28K earnings gap across 6 programs in Louisiana, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Regional publics dominate these rankings, challenging assumptions about where music students should study.
Louisiana State University leads with Music graduates earning $40,673—nearly $4K above runner-up Southeastern Louisiana University at $36,779. The statewide average sits at $27,257, but this variation demonstrates how program quality within the same field varies dramatically, even among similar public institutions.
Earnings matter, but debt burden tells the real story. LSU Music graduates borrow $20,500 with a manageable 15.5% payment burden, while Southeastern students face a more challenging 21.4% burden despite lower debt. When parent loans factor in, all programs show high family burdens exceeding 33%—making careful financial planning essential.
Highest program earnings: $40,673
Strong outcomes with 74% acceptance rate
15.5% payment burden | Manageable
33.1% family burden | High burden
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $40,673 | 34 | $20,500 | Manageable | $25,645 | High | |
| #2 | $36,779 | 23 | $22,113 | Challenging | $10,611 | High | |
| #3 | Mcneese State UniversityPublic | $36,305 | 16 | $23,000 | Challenging | $13,410 | High |
| #4 | $23,529 | 28 | $25,000 | High | $11,900 | High | |
| #5 | $13,479 | 28 | $22,902 | High | $13,655 | High | |
| #6 | $12,776 | 13 | $18,750 | High | $15,048 | 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 →
