Music at Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
45
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,807/yr (38% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 15.1x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #17 of 240 Music programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

Montana State's music program, situated in the unique and growing Bozeman economy, prepares graduates to thrive by adapting musical skills to diverse opportunities. While traditional performance and composition roles exist, many find success in education, sound engineering, or even the burgeoning local event and tourism industries, where a strong foundation in music is highly valued. The program may emphasize practical applications, equipping you with versatile skills that extend beyond the stage, particularly in fields like audio production, where the demand for skilled technicians remains robust. Your high earnings potential likely stems from this adaptability and a regional market that rewards entrepreneurial musicians. As AI reshapes creative fields, focusing on the interpersonal aspects of teaching or the technical mastery of sound engineering will be key to your long-term career resilience.

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 $488K $489K $455K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.1x 15.1x 14.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 45 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,332
Out-of-state: $125,348 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$82,372
-155% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,471
20% growth from Year 1

About Montana State University

A 87% acceptance rate means Montana State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 14,472 students in Bozeman, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at Montana 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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Music at Montana State University?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Music. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Music careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $455,351 in decade earnings vs $488,064 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →