Music at Ramapo College of New Jersey

Mahwah, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,127/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 7.6x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #157 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 $487K $488K $455K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.6x 7.6x 7.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.6x 4.6x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,912
Out-of-state: $105,552 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,440
-27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
10.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,909
77% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,127 place Ramapo College of New Jersey below the $28,116 national median for Music — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 7.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,000 against $23,127/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #157 ranking among 240 Music programs places Ramapo College of New Jersey in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $23,127-to-$40,909 earnings arc over five years reflects a 77% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Ramapo College of New Jersey

Ramapo College of New Jersey accepts 73% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 4,664 students in Mahwah, NJ.

See all programs and financial aid at Ramapo College of New Jersey →

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 Ramapo College of New Jersey

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 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Ramapo College of New Jersey?
At 25/100, 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 Ramapo College of New Jersey?
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 Ramapo College of New Jersey a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Ramapo College of New Jersey's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →