Music at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,277/yr (36% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #23 of 240 Music programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

The strong earning potential for CSU Music graduates reflects a unique blend of factors, particularly the vibrant Colorado Front Range economy. Unlike many regions, Fort Collins and the wider Denver metro area offer a robust job market for arts professionals, driven by growing school districts needing music educators, a flourishing live music scene, and demand for sound engineers in local production houses and venues. CSU's well-established reputation within the state likely provides direct pipelines into these roles. You’ll find opportunities not just in traditional performance, but also teaching in Poudre School District, contributing to local festivals, or even working with the many breweries and businesses that sponsor arts events. To maximize your outcome, actively cultivate a diverse skill set—combining performance with teaching credentials or sound technology—and relentlessly network within Colorado's expansive arts and education communities.

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 $519K $517K $477K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.1x 10.0x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.8x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,584
Out-of-state: $135,004 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,328
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,837
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,174
39% growth from Year 1

About Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Colorado State University-Fort Collins has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 25,148 students enrolled in Fort Collins, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado State University-Fort Collins →

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 Colorado State University-Fort Collins

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Music at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
A score of 43/100 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 $477,147 in decade earnings vs $519,450 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →