Music at Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,868/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #130 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 $417K $424K $406K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.2x 12.4x 11.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.8x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 29 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)
$34,272
Out-of-state: $89,136 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,104
-17% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $23,868/yr fall 15% below the $28,116 national median for Music. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 12.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #130 out of 240 programs, Tennessee State University's financial outcomes for Music trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University has a 93% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 6,498 students in Nashville, TN. 52% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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

How does Tennessee State University's Music program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Music. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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 Tennessee State University?
Lower starting pay at Tennessee State 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 →