Musicat Portland State University
Graduates earn $17,638/yr in their first year — about 37.0% below the national Music average. Base-case 10-year earnings $403K; scenarios range from $389K to $393K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Portland State University
Your outcomes for Music at Portland State reflect the realities of a highly competitive, often gig-based industry, particularly within Portland's independent arts scene. Many graduates forge portfolio careers, blending performance, teaching, sound engineering, or arts administration, which means income often comes from diverse, less predictable sources. The local market, while rich in creative opportunities, also has a high concentration of talented individuals, making it challenging to secure higher-paying, full-time institutional roles without significant networking and entrepreneurial drive. PSU's program often feeds into the city's robust community arts organizations and K-12 education. To thrive, you'll need to actively cultivate additional skills: consider dual-majoring or minoring in business, marketing, or a related tech field to create more resilient career pathways.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Portland State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Music
How Portland State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Portland State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Portland State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Music offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Music trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Music at Portland State University
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.