Music at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,440/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 13.9x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #147 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 $457K $461K $434K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.8x 13.9x 13.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.7x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,160
Out-of-state: $80,680 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,696
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,383
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,258
68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,440 place San Diego State University below the $28,116 national median for Music — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 13.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,383 against $20,440/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #147 ranking among 240 Music programs places San Diego State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $20,440-to-$34,258 earnings arc over five years reflects a 68% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About San Diego State University

San Diego State University accepts 34% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 33,654 students enrolled in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego 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 San Diego 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 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at San Diego State University?
At 26/100, 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 San Diego 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 San Diego State University a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If San Diego 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 →