Musicat Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Graduates earn $36,707/yr in their first year — about 31.0% above the national Music average. Base-case 10-year earnings $490K; scenarios range from $456K to $489K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Rutgers
The strong earnings for Rutgers Music graduates reflect a significant regional advantage. Your proximity to the vast New York City metropolitan area provides unparalleled access to one of the world's largest and most diverse music and arts industries. This isn't just about performance; it extends to a robust ecosystem of recording studios, arts administration roles, music technology companies, and extensive K-12 and higher education opportunities. The Mason Gross School of the Arts likely leverages these connections, offering pathways into a highly competitive but also high-paying market. You'll find graduates working in sound engineering, composing for various media, or leading music programs, all within a region that offers more professional depth and higher compensation for creative fields. To make the most of this, actively pursue internships and networking opportunities within the NYC scene throughout your studies.
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 Rutgers'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 Rutgers stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Rutgers
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Rutgers, 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 Rutgers
What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
At 35/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Music programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Music at Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
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.