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Music at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $15,834/yr (-44% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 13.7x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #163 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	$510K	$508K	$471K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.7x	13.7x	12.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.6x	4.6x	4.2x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	25	25	22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,144

Out-of-state: $111,412 (4.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,720

-101% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,055

15.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$39,419

149% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Western Washington University's Music graduates start at $15,834/yr, trailing the $28,116 national average by 44%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 13.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #163 ranking among 240 Music programs places Western Washington University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $15,834-to-$39,419 earnings arc over five years reflects a 149% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Washington University

A 91% acceptance rate means Western Washington University is accessible to most applicants, serving 13,574 students in Bellingham, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Washington 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 Western Washington University

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 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Western Washington University?

At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Music programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Music degree from Western Washington University?

At $20,055 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Music at Western Washington 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.

Is Western Washington University a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Western Washington University'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 →