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Music at Radford University

Radford, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,593/yr (41% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #52 of 240 Music programs Top 25%

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	$468K	$471K	$442K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.5x	9.6x	9.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.6x	4.7x	4.4x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	37	26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$49,144

Out-of-state: $100,740 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$66,560

-35% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,280

8.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$41,921

6% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,593 put Radford University's Music program 41% above the national median of $28,116 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

A 9.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,280 against $39,593/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Radford University ranks #52 among 240 Music programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $39,593 to $41,921 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Radford University

Radford University accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 5,609 in Radford, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Radford 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 Radford 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

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Radford University?

At 37/100, 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 Radford 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.

Is Radford University one of the best schools for Music?

Among 240 Music programs, Radford University's #52 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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