Program Analysis
Graduates earn $26,135/yr, roughly in line with the $28,116 national median for Music. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 28.8x 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 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $26,000 debt-to-$26,135 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
A #24 ranking out of 240 Music programs nationally puts Western Carolina University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
Earnings growth from $26,135 to $48,930 over five years (87% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.