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Music at Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $17,638/yr (-37% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #209 of 240 Music programs

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	$393K	$403K	$389K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.7x	9.0x	8.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.3x	3.3x	3.2x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	19	19	15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$44,952

Out-of-state: $120,552 (3.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,728

-15% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

18.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$20,098

14% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $17,638 per year, Music graduates from Portland State University earn below the $28,116 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 9.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.5x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #209 ranking among 240 Music programs places Portland State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $17,638 to $20,098 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Portland State University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Portland State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 13,619 in Portland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Portland 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 Portland 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 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Portland State University?

At 19/100, 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 Portland State University?

At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 18 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 Portland 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 Portland State University a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Portland State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →