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Music at California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $21,509/yr (-23% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)

ROI 15.3x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #132 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	$407K	$416K	$399K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.9x	15.3x	14.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.4x	5.6x	5.3x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	28	28	23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$27,252

Out-of-state: $74,792 (5.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$16,452

40% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$12,290

6.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $21,509 per year, Music graduates from California State University-Los Angeles earn below the $28,116 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 15.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 $12,290 against $21,509/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #132 ranking among 240 Music programs places California State University-Los Angeles in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About California State University-Los Angeles

With 92% of applicants admitted, California State University-Los Angeles prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 21,478 students in Los Angeles, CA. With 66% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $16,452 over four years — 40% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Los Angeles →

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 California State University-Los Angeles

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 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at California State University-Los Angeles?

At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Music programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Music at California State University-Los Angeles?

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 California State University-Los Angeles a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Los Angeles'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 →