Music at Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,574/yr (-34% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 1.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #160 of 240 Music programs

Program Analysis

A degree in Music from Syracuse positions you for a unique career journey, where artistic passion often meets the realities of a highly competitive and often freelance industry. The numbers reflect the common experience across the field: many graduates initially navigate roles that prioritize artistic development and networking over immediate high salaries. Your career path might involve a blend of performance, composition, teaching, or technical roles like sound engineering, often piecing together income from various sources. While Syracuse offers a strong program, the local labor market isn't a major music industry hub, meaning many graduates will need to actively seek opportunities in larger metropolitan areas to build their careers. Success here hinges on your entrepreneurial spirit, networking ability, and willingness to build a portfolio of diverse experiences. As you plan your education, actively seek internships in your desired niche and develop complementary skills, like business acumen or digital production, to broaden your career options.

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 $396K $406K $391K
Earnings Multiple 1.6x 1.6x 1.6x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,244
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,104
35% less than sticker · See by income

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University accepts 42% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 15,245 students in Syracuse, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $164,104 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Syracuse 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 Syracuse University

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 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Syracuse University?
At 25/100, 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 Syracuse 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 Syracuse University a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Syracuse 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 →