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Music at Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,924/yr (17% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 1.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #127 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	$453K	$457K	$431K
Earnings Multiple	1.6x	1.7x	1.6x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	29	18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$276,180

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$80,592

71% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,924 at Columbia University in the City of New York come in 17% above the national median of $28,116 for Music programs.

At 1.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #127 ranking among 240 Music programs places Columbia University in the City of New York in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Columbia University in the City of New York

Columbia University in the City of New York's 4% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with a mid-sized student body of 8,899 in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $80,592 over four years — 71% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Columbia University in the City of New York →

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 Columbia University in the City of New York

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Columbia University in the City of New York?

At 29/100, 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 Columbia University in the City of New York?

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.

What do students actually pay for Music at Columbia University in the City of New York?

The 71% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $276,180. At a net cost of $80,592, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →