Music at Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
45
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,807/yr (38% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 15.1x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #17 of 240 Music programs Top 10%

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 $488K $489K $455K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.1x 15.1x 14.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 45 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,332
Out-of-state: $125,348 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$82,372
-155% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,471
20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Montana State University Music graduates command $38,807/yr out of the gate, well above the $28,116 national median. That 38% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Music programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Music's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #17 of 240 programs, Montana State University's Music program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Five-year earnings of $46,471 are relatively flat compared to the $38,807 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About Montana State University

A 87% acceptance rate means Montana State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 14,472 students in Bozeman, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at Montana 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

Compare Music

Other Majors at Montana 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Music at Montana State University?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Music. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Music careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $455,351 in decade earnings vs $488,064 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →