Music at Albright College

Reading, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,285/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #183 of 240 Music programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Music graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $406K $415K $399K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.6x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$115,176
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$86,656
25% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
15.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $21,285 place Albright College below the $28,116 national median for Music — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 3.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #183 ranking among 240 Music programs places Albright College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Albright College

Albright College accepts 86% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 1,296 students in Reading, PA. Pell Grant recipients make up 50% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Albright College →

Top Career Paths

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
Sound engineering technicians $66,430/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Music at Other Schools

Other Majors at Albright College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Albright College?
At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Music programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Music degree from Albright College?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Music at Albright College?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Albright College a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Albright College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →