Compare 6 Music. programs in South Carolina. Average earnings: $31,200.
Music programs produce graduates earning between $23,340 and $40,181—a $17K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 6 ranked programs in South Carolina, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University of South Carolina-Columbia's Music program leads with graduates earning $40,181, well above the $31,200 average. Furman University follows at $38,887, while Lander University reaches $32,391. The flagship public outperforms the selective private in both earnings and accessibility.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. USC-Columbia graduates borrow $21,500 and face a 16.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. Furman students face a challenging 19.5% burden despite similar earnings, while Lander's 35% burden creates significant financial strain.
Highest program earnings: $40,181
Strong outcomes with 61% acceptance rate
16.7% payment burden | Manageable
44.9% family burden | High burden
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $40,181 | 64 | $21,500 | Manageable | $31,393 | High | |
| #2 | Furman UniversityPrivate | $38,887 | 34 | $23,250 | Challenging | $54,750 | High |
| #3 | Lander UniversityPublic | $32,391 | 5 | $25,000 | High | $16,919 | High |
| #4 | Winthrop UniversityPublic | $27,672 | 22 | $26,975 | High | $23,888 | High |
| #5 | $24,730 | 10 | $23,750 | High | $35,414 | High | |
| #6 | College Of CharlestonPublic | $23,340 | 7 | $23,250 | High | $35,971 | 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 →