Music at Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,507/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 5.1x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #210 of 240 Music programs

Program Analysis

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.

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 $449K $453K $428K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 5.1x 5.1x 4.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 3.0x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 19 14

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$88,328
Out-of-state: $149,848 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,876
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
13.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,258
65% growth from Year 1

About Temple University

A 83% acceptance rate means Temple University is accessible to most applicants, with 21,249 students enrolled in Philadelphia, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Temple 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 Temple University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →