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Music at Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,989/yr (3% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 7.3x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #131 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	$480K	$482K	$450K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	7.3x	7.3x	6.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.1x	3.1x	2.9x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	29	20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$65,832

Out-of-state: $156,168 (3.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$77,808

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

11.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$42,111

45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $28,989/yr, roughly in line with the $28,116 national median for Music. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 7.3x 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 $27,000 against $28,989/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #131 ranking among 240 Music programs places Virginia Commonwealth University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 45% earnings increase from $28,989 to $42,111 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 20,797 students in Richmond, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth 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 Virginia Commonwealth University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Virginia Commonwealth University?

At 29/100, 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 Virginia Commonwealth 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.

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