Music at Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
20
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,978/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #197 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 $634K $620K $557K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.5x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 20 14

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,564
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$128,464
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,500
13.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,223
179% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Northeastern University's Music graduates start at $21,978/yr, trailing the $28,116 national average by 22%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

An earnings multiple of 2.5x 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 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,500 debt load exceeds a year of the $21,978 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #197 out of 240 programs, Northeastern University's financial outcomes for Music trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $21,978 to $61,223 over five years (179% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Northeastern University

Only 6% of applicants gain admission to Northeastern University, reflecting elite selectivity, serving 15,719 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $128,464 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern 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 Northeastern 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 Northeastern University's Music program score?
This program scores 20/100 — on the lower end for Music. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Northeastern University Music graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x 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 Northeastern University?
Lower starting pay at Northeastern 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 →