Music at Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,163/yr (32% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 9.5x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #38 of 240 Music programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

The strong earnings potential for EIU Music graduates isn't just a fluke; it speaks to the program's practical focus and regional relevance. Located in central Illinois, this public university likely benefits from a consistent demand for music educators and practitioners in surrounding school districts and community organizations. Many graduates find stable careers teaching at the K-12 level or even higher, leveraging the program's strong reputation for producing well-prepared educators who fill critical regional needs. You might also find opportunities in local sound production or arts administration, areas where the practical skills developed here are highly valued. This isn't a program solely focused on performance; it equips you with diverse, employable skills for a robust regional job market. To maximize your outcome, actively seek out internships with local schools or arts groups early on to build your professional network and secure those regional opportunities.

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 $510K $508K $471K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.5x 9.5x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.0x 8.0x 7.4x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,612
Out-of-state: $63,516 (8.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,372
-5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,907
37% growth from Year 1

About Eastern Illinois University

With a 68% acceptance rate, Eastern Illinois University is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 4,398 in Charleston, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Eastern Illinois 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 Eastern Illinois 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

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Eastern Illinois University?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Music programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Music at Eastern Illinois 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 Eastern Illinois University one of the best schools for Music?
Among 240 Music programs, Eastern Illinois University's #38 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →