Music at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,656/yr (37% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 7.3x earnings multiple (2.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #66 of 240 Music programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

The strong outcomes for MSU Music reflect a program that effectively prepares students for diverse career paths beyond traditional performance. A significant factor is the robust demand for music educators within Michigan's K-12 school systems, where MSU has deep-seated recruiting pipelines and a strong reputation for producing highly capable teachers. Furthermore, the broader Detroit and regional arts scenes offer opportunities in sound engineering, arts administration, and even the burgeoning field of music therapy, areas where a comprehensive musical foundation is highly valued. You’ll find alumni in school districts across the state, at local recording studios, or managing community arts organizations. To maximize your potential, strategically combine your musical passion with secondary skills in areas like education, sound technology, or arts management, leveraging the full breadth of a large university.

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 $464K $467K $438K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.3x 7.3x 6.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.7x 2.7x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 35 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (2.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,004
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,750
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,644
5% growth from Year 1

About Michigan State University

A 84% acceptance rate means Michigan State University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 40,243 students in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan 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 Michigan State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Michigan State University?
At 35/100, 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 Michigan 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →