Music at New York University

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
18
Base Case
12
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,398/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #221 of 240 Music programs

Program Analysis

A music degree from NYU places you at the epicenter of the global arts and entertainment industry, offering unparalleled networking and performance opportunities within New York City. The initial earnings figures reflect the highly competitive, often project-based nature of creative fields. Many graduates enter roles like freelance musicians, composers, or sound engineers, where building a sustainable income takes time and significant self-promotion, rather than stepping into a traditional salaried position. The "high AI risk" is particularly relevant for roles involving sound engineering, digital composition, or routine production tasks, as artificial intelligence tools increasingly automate parts of these processes. However, your education at NYU provides a strong foundation in theory and performance that is harder to replicate. To maximize your return, actively cultivate a diverse skillset, leveraging NYU's strong connections to intern with major record labels, production houses, or Broadway shows. Focus on developing unique creative voices and live performance skills, which remain invaluable.

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 $452K $456K $430K
Earnings Multiple 1.9x 1.9x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 18 12

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$241,752
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$140,140
42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
12.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,761
42% growth from Year 1

About New York University

With just 9% of applicants admitted, New York University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, serving a student body of 29,430 in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $140,140 over four years — 42% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at New York 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 York 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 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at New York University?
At 18/100, 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 New York University?
At $25,000 in median debt, graduates carry 12 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 New York 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 →