Musicat State University of New York at New Paltz
Graduates earn $17,406/yr in their first year — about 38.0% below the national Music average. Base-case 10-year earnings $401K; scenarios range from $388K to $391K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at State University of New York at New Paltz
The financial data for Music at SUNY New Paltz reflects the inherent challenges and unique career paths within the performing arts. Many graduates from comprehensive music programs, especially outside major industry centers, often build careers through a mosaic of roles: teaching in local schools, performing in regional venues, or contributing to community arts initiatives. Your earnings potential here isn't typically driven by direct pipelines into major record labels or orchestras, but rather by entrepreneurial drive, networking within the broader arts ecosystem, and developing a diverse skill set. The program likely provides a strong foundation in theory and performance, but the onus is often on you to translate that into sustainable income. Therefore, actively seek internships, cultivate business acumen, and consider pairing your musical passion with a complementary field like education, sound engineering, or arts administration to broaden your professional opportunities.
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 State University of New York at New Paltz'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 State University of New York at New Paltz stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at State University of New York at New Paltz
Other highest-scoring programs offered at State University of New York at New Paltz, 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 State University of New York at New Paltz
What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at State University of New York at New Paltz?
At 24/100, 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 State University of New York at New Paltz?
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 State University of New York at New Paltz a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If State University of New York at New Paltz's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.