Music at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,656/yr (37% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 7.3x earnings multiple (2.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #66 of 240 Music programs Top 50%

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 $464K $467K $438K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.3x 7.3x 6.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.7x 2.7x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 35 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)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (2.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,004
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,750
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,644
5% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Michigan State University Music graduates command $38,656/yr out of the gate, well above the $28,116 national median. That 37% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

A 7.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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

At $26,750 against $38,656/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #66 ranking among 240 Music programs places Michigan State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $38,656 to $40,644 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Michigan State University

A 84% acceptance rate means Michigan State University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 40,243 students in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State 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 Michigan State University

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 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Michigan State University?
At 35/100, 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 Michigan State University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →