Home › George Mason University › Music

Music at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,611/yr (23% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)

ROI 8.9x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #61 of 240 Music programs Top 25%

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	$494K	$494K	$459K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.9x	8.9x	8.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.1x	3.1x	2.9x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	36	36	25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$55,260

Out-of-state: $157,588 (3.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,148

-32% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,917

7.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$46,718

35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $34,611 per year, Music graduates from George Mason University earn slightly above the $28,116 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 8.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,917 against $34,611/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

George Mason University ranks #61 among 240 Music programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 35% earnings increase from $34,611 to $46,718 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About George Mason University

With 89% of applicants admitted, George Mason University prioritizes broad access, with 27,083 students enrolled in Fairfax, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at George Mason 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 George Mason 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 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at George Mason University?

At 36/100, 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 George Mason 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 George Mason University one of the best schools for Music?

Among 240 Music programs, George Mason University's #61 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 →