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Music at Catawba College

Salisbury, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $23,577/yr (-16% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 3.5x earnings multiple

Ranked #207 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	$462K	$465K	$437K
Earnings Multiple	3.5x	3.5x	3.3x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	20	19	13

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$133,600

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,840

45% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

13.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$36,393

54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $23,577 per year, Music graduates from Catawba College earn below the $28,116 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 3.5x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #207 ranking among 240 Music programs places Catawba College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $23,577-to-$36,393 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Catawba College

With 78% of applicants admitted, Catawba College prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,127 in Salisbury, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $72,840 over four years — 45% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Catawba College →

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 Catawba College

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Catawba College?

At 19/100, 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 Catawba College?

At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 14 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 Catawba College?

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 Catawba College a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Catawba College'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 →