Compare 7 Music. programs in Missouri. Average earnings: $32,488.
Music programs produce graduates earning between $22,192 and $42,934—a $21K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 7 ranked programs in Missouri, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Truman State University's Music program leads with graduates earning $42,934, significantly above the state average of $32,488. The University of Missouri-Columbia follows at $35,939, while UM-St Louis delivers $32,284. This variation proves that program-level factors drive outcomes more than overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Truman State graduates borrow $21,000 and face a 14.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. However, when parent loans are included, the family burden jumps to 25.4%, showing that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Truman State UniversityPublic | $42,934 | 23 | $21,000 | Manageable | $14,503 | High |
| #2 | $35,939 | 23 | $20,500 | Challenging | $32,529 | High | |
| #3 | $32,284 | 20 | $20,000 | High | $15,027 | High | |
| #4 | $31,839 | 18 | $21,000 | High | $14,000 | High | |
| #5 | $31,819 | 46 | $18,750 | High | $18,462 | High | |
| #6 | Evangel UniversityPrivate | $30,409 | 9 | $24,736 | High | $20,473 | High |
| #7 | Webster UniversityPrivate | $22,192 | 18 | $23,000 | High | $13,587 | 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 →