Music at Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
18
Base Case
12
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,759/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI
2.9x earnings multiple
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 | $479K | $480K | $449K |
| Earnings Multiple | 2.9x | 2.9x | 2.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 35% | 31% | 24% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 18 | 18 | 12 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$166,512
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,250
15.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,722
78% growth from Year 1
About Elmhurst University
With 76% of applicants admitted, Elmhurst University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,954 students in Elmhurst, IL. The average net cost of $84,252 over four years represents a 49% discount from published tuition.
See all programs and financial aid at Elmhurst 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
Compare & Explore
Music at Other Schools
Other Majors at Elmhurst University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Elmhurst University's Music program score?
This program scores 18/100 — on the lower end for Music. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Elmhurst University Music graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.3x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Music to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Music careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Music earnings lower at Elmhurst University?
Lower starting pay at Elmhurst University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →