Music at Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,707/yr (31% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 7.1x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #69 of 240 Music programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

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.

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 $489K $490K $456K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.1x 7.1x 6.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$68,956
Out-of-state: $144,004 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,076
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,492
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,231
26% growth from Year 1

About Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Rutgers University-New Brunswick's 65% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 36,357 students in New Brunswick, NJ.

See all programs and financial aid at Rutgers University-New Brunswick →

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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick

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