Music at Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
18
Base Case
12
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,759/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #217 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 $479K $480K $449K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.9x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 18 12

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$166,512
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$84,252
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,250
15.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,722
78% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,759 per year, Music graduates from Elmhurst University earn below the $28,116 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

An earnings multiple of 2.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,250 debt load exceeds a year of the $21,759 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #217 out of 240 programs, Elmhurst University's financial outcomes for Music trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $21,759 to $38,722 over five years (78% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Elmhurst University

With 76% of applicants admitted, Elmhurst University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,954 students in Elmhurst, IL. The average net cost of $84,252 over four years represents a 49% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Elmhurst University →

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 Elmhurst University

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

How does Elmhurst University's Music program score?
This program scores 18/100 — on the lower end for Music. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Elmhurst University Music graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.3x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Music to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Music careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Music earnings lower at Elmhurst University?
Lower starting pay at Elmhurst University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →