Music at University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,121/yr (39% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #56 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 $477K $479K $448K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.9x 10.9x 10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 24
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,856
Out-of-state: $131,708 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,592
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,858
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

At $39,121 per year, Music graduates from University of Iowa significantly outpace the $28,116 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 10.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 $27,000 against $39,121/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Iowa ranks #56 among 240 Music programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About University of Iowa

With 85% of applicants admitted, University of Iowa prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 21,691 in Iowa City, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →

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 University of Iowa

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 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at University of Iowa?
At 36/100, 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 University of Iowa?
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 University of Iowa one of the best schools for Music?
Among 240 Music programs, University of Iowa's #56 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 →