Music at Los Angeles College of Music

Pasadena, CA · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,059/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 4.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #174 of 240 Music programs

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 $417K $425K $406K
Earnings Multiple 4.1x 4.1x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 24 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$102,600
Median Debt at Graduation
$36,325
18.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $24,059/yr, roughly in line with the $28,116 national median for Music. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 4.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.5x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #174 ranking among 240 Music programs places Los Angeles College of Music in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Los Angeles College of Music

Los Angeles College of Music accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 267 students in Pasadena, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Los Angeles College of Music →

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

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

What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Los Angeles College of Music?
At 24/100, 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 Los Angeles College of Music?
At $36,325 in median debt, graduates carry 18 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 Los Angeles College of Music?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →