Music at Rutgers University-Newark

Newark, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
36
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 7.4x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #58 of 240 Music programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

The strong financial outcomes for Rutgers-Newark Music aren't a fluke; they reflect a strategic advantage. Your degree here places you squarely within the orbit of New York City, a global epicenter for the music and entertainment industry. This proximity means unparalleled access to performance venues, recording studios, production houses, and a dense network of educational institutions constantly seeking talent. The program likely emphasizes practical skills, connecting students to a vibrant regional labor market that demands professionals in areas like sound engineering, music education, and composition for various media. These aren't just theoretical roles; they're tangible careers with established pipelines in the Tri-state area. You'll find opportunities with local school districts, independent studios, and even broader media companies. To leverage this, actively pursue internships and networking opportunities in both Newark and NYC throughout your studies, building a professional network that will be invaluable upon graduation.

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) 7.4x 7.4x 6.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 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)
$66,344
Out-of-state: $141,392 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,628
-17% 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-Newark

Rutgers University-Newark has a 79% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 7,187 in Newark, NJ. 56% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Rutgers University-Newark →

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-Newark

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

How does Rutgers University-Newark's Music program score?
This program scores 36/100 — on the lower end for Music. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Music to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Music careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Rutgers University-Newark rank so high for Music?
The #58 ranking out of 240 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →