Music at California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,226/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 16.6x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #138 of 240 Music programs

Program Analysis

The Los Angeles music scene, while globally significant, is also intensely competitive, contributing to the initial earning figures you're seeing. Many CSUN music graduates enter a gig-economy landscape, often starting with freelance or entry-level roles in production, performance, or education, which provide invaluable experience but modest initial pay. This environment demands significant hustle, networking, and a diversified skill set beyond core musical talent. As a large public university, CSUN's program likely serves a broad range of aspirations, from performance to education to industry roles, with varied earning potentials. Given the high AI risk in certain creative fields, developing adaptable, in-demand skills like sound design, music technology, or arts administration alongside your musical talent is crucial. To maximize your prospects, actively seek out internships, build a strong professional network, and consider specializing in a niche that blends artistic passion with practical industry demand.

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 $469K $472K $442K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.5x 16.6x 15.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.2x 6.2x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,380
Out-of-state: $75,900 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$30,396
-7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
9.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,153
93% growth from Year 1

About California State University-Northridge

A 93% acceptance rate means California State University-Northridge is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 32,357 students in Northridge, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Northridge →

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 California State University-Northridge

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

How does California State University-Northridge's Music program score?
This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for Music. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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 California State University-Northridge?
Lower starting pay at California State University-Northridge 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 →