Compare 9 Music. programs in New Jersey. Average earnings: $33,494.
The highest-earning Music program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $29K earnings gap across 9 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Rowan University's Music program leads with graduates earning $50,331—26% above the state average of $33,494. Following close behind, Montclair State University delivers $39,961, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick produces $34,223. These outcomes demonstrate that program quality varies independently of overall school reputation.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Rowan graduates borrow $20,500 and face just a 10.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. Montclair students face a higher 17.4% burden despite lower net costs, proving that debt outcomes matter more than sticker price.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rowan UniversityPublic | $50,331 | 78 | $20,500 | Good | $27,445 | High |
| #2 | $39,961 | 76 | $22,000 | Manageable | $24,693 | High | |
| #3 | $34,223 | 62 | $21,500 | High | $25,294 | High | |
| #4 | Monmouth UniversityPrivate | $33,957 | 34 | $27,000 | High | $49,390 | High |
| #5 | $32,476 | 29 | $18,500 | High | $13,884 | High | |
| #6 | $32,121 | 45 | $22,334 | High | $20,000 | High | |
| #7 | Rider UniversityPrivate | $29,670 | 77 | $26,130 | High | $44,670 | High |
| #8 | $27,083 | 36 | $21,000 | High | $27,655 | High | |
| #9 | $21,623 | 11 | $27,000 | High | $53,192 | 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 →
