Music at Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,008/yr (39% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 13.8x earnings multiple (8.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #33 of 240 Music programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

The strong earnings for Austin Peay's music program likely reflect its strategic location. Clarksville sits within easy reach of Nashville, "Music City," offering unparalleled access to a dynamic and diverse music industry. This isn't just about performing; it means abundant opportunities in sound engineering, studio production, music education, and composition for media, often with established local labels, touring companies, and performance venues. Your career path here could involve leveraging this regional market for early-career roles that often command higher pay than in less centralized areas. Graduates are well-positioned to step into teaching positions within the strong local school systems or contribute to Nashville’s thriving production scene. Given the high AI risk in music, actively building a diverse portfolio, networking extensively within the regional industry, and specializing in hands-on production or interdisciplinary roles will be crucial for your long-term success.

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) 13.7x 13.8x 12.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.4x 8.4x 7.9x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,700
Out-of-state: $56,876 (8.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,384
-71% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$30,900
9.5 months of Year 1 earnings

About Austin Peay State University

With 96% of applicants admitted, Austin Peay State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 7,365 in Clarksville, TN. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Austin Peay 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 Austin Peay State 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Music at Austin Peay State University?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Music. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Music careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $447,605 in decade earnings vs $476,907 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Austin Peay State University's Music program stand out?
Ranked #33 of 240 programs nationally, Austin Peay State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →