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Music at Biola University

La Mirada, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $19,978/yr (-29% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 2.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #184 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	$401K	$411K	$395K
Earnings Multiple	2.1x	2.2x	2.1x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	21	21	16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$186,816

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$112,404

40% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,417

15.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (4 Year)

$50,875

155% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Biola University's Music graduates start at $19,978/yr, trailing the $28,116 national average by 29%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

An earnings multiple of 2.2x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,417 debt load exceeds a year of the $19,978 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #184 out of 240 programs, Biola University's financial outcomes for Music trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Biola University

Biola University's 60% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 3,390 students in La Mirada, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $112,404 over four years — 40% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Biola 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 Biola 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

How does Biola University's Music program score?

This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for Music. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do Biola University Music graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.3x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.

How vulnerable is Music to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Music careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Music earnings lower at Biola University?

Lower starting pay at Biola University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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