Music at San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,383
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,258
68% growth from Year 1
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
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 →