Compare 6 Music. programs in Minnesota. Average earnings: $32,113.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Music tells a different story. Across 6 programs, earnings range from $26,353 to $40,048—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
St Olaf College's Music program leads with graduates earning $40,048, well above the state average of $32,113. Concordia College At Moorhead follows at $39,633, demonstrating that smaller liberal arts colleges can excel in creative fields regardless of broader institutional rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. St Olaf graduates borrow $26,000 and face a 20.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Challenging' category. When parent loans are included, Concordia College At Moorhead leads with a 48.8% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | St Olaf CollegePrivate | $40,048 | 50 | $26,000 | Challenging | $40,568 | High |
| #2 | $39,633 | 12 | $26,847 | Challenging | $29,471 | High | |
| #3 | $32,391 | 10 | $21,325 | High | $28,694 | High | |
| #4 | $27,902 | 32 | $19,500 | High | $25,729 | High | |
| #5 | $26,353 | 11 | $22,024 | High | $22,127 | High | |
| #6 | Gustavus Adolphus CollegePrivate | $26,353 | 10 | $26,774 | High | $34,265 | 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 →
