Musicat DePaul University
Graduates earn $19,155/yr in their first year — about 32.0% below the national Music average. Base-case 10-year earnings $497K; scenarios range from $462K to $498K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at DePaul University
Studying music at a respected institution like DePaul, especially within Chicago's rich cultural scene, offers incredible artistic and educational depth. However, the initial financial outcomes often reflect the highly competitive nature of the creative arts. Many graduates build portfolio careers, piecing together income from performing gigs, private lessons, studio work, or local theater productions. These diverse income streams, while creatively fulfilling, don't always translate into high, consistent W-2 salaries in the early years.
Chicago's abundant music opportunities also mean a crowded market for emerging talent. Success often hinges on extensive networking and entrepreneurial hustle. The evolving landscape, including AI's impact on certain technical roles, further emphasizes the need for adaptability. To thrive, you'll need to cultivate a diverse skill set—performance, teaching, business acumen, and even digital production—to create multiple income streams and carve out your unique niche.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to DePaul University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Music
How DePaul University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at DePaul University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at DePaul University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Music offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Music trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Music at DePaul University
What does a 16/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at DePaul University?
At 16/100, 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 DePaul University?
At $22,379 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 DePaul University?
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 DePaul University a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If DePaul University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.