Musicat Eastern Illinois University
Graduates earn $37,163/yr in their first year — about 32.0% above the national Music average. Base-case 10-year earnings $508K; scenarios range from $471K to $510K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Eastern Illinois University
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.
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 Eastern Illinois 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 Eastern Illinois University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Eastern Illinois University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Eastern Illinois 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 Eastern Illinois University
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.