Music at New Jersey City University

Jersey City, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,544/yr (-34% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 8.3x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #191 of 240 Music programs

Program Analysis

The earnings trends you see for Music graduates from NJCU largely reflect the incredibly competitive labor market in the New York metropolitan area. While the program offers a strong foundation, you'll be competing for opportunities alongside graduates from some of the world's top conservatories just across the Hudson. Many alumni find fulfilling careers in local public education or build diverse portfolios through freelance performance, private lessons, and community arts programs. Building a sustainable income in these areas often takes significant time and relentless networking, especially when balancing the region's high cost of living. To truly thrive, you'll need to aggressively pursue internships, cultivate a wide range of skills beyond your primary focus, and strategically leverage the university's regional connections.

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 $459K $462K $435K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.2x 8.3x 7.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.6x 4.6x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 21 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$55,884
Out-of-state: $99,552 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,928
16% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
12.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,547
81% growth from Year 1

About New Jersey City University

With 89% of applicants admitted, New Jersey City University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 4,076 students in Jersey City, NJ. With 52% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at New Jersey City 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 New Jersey City 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Music at New Jersey City University?
A score of 21/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Music. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Music at New Jersey City University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $20,000 against $18,544/yr starting salary means roughly 1.1 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
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 $434,985 in decade earnings vs $458,734 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Music from New Jersey City University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →