Musicat Temple University
Graduates earn $19,507/yr in their first year — about 31.0% below the national Music average. Base-case 10-year earnings $453K; scenarios range from $428K to $449K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Temple University
A music degree from Temple places you squarely in Philadelphia's competitive, yet vibrant, arts ecosystem. Many graduates initially pursue freelance performance, private instruction, or roles within local arts organizations, where building a stable income takes time and significant entrepreneurial effort. While the Boyer College of Music and Dance offers strong training, the industry dynamics mean early career earnings are often modest as you establish your professional network and portfolio. The path to higher salaries frequently involves combining your artistic passion with practical skills like music education, therapy, or specialized audio production. To truly thrive, actively seek internships and build a diversified skillset, perhaps even considering a minor in business or marketing to complement your artistic foundation.
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 Temple University'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 Temple University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Temple University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Temple University, 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 Temple University
What does a 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Temple University?
At 19/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Music programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Music degree from Temple University?
At $21,500 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Music at Temple 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 Temple University a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Temple University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.