Home › McNeese State University › Music

Music at McNeese State University

Lake Charles, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,305/yr (29% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 13.9x earnings multiple (11.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #39 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	$466K	$469K	$440K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.8x	13.9x	13.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	11.7x	11.8x	11.0x
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)

$33,840

Out-of-state: $39,840 (11.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$45,028

-33% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,250

7.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates of McNeese State University's Music program earn $36,305/yr in their first year — 29% above the $28,116 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 13.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,250 against $36,305/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

McNeese State University ranks #39 among 240 Music programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About McNeese State University

With a 68% acceptance rate, McNeese State University is moderately selective, a smaller institution with 4,846 students in Lake Charles, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at McNeese State 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 McNeese State 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

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at McNeese State 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 McNeese State 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 McNeese State University one of the best schools for Music?

Among 240 Music programs, McNeese State University's #39 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 →