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Music at The Catholic University of America

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $23,856/yr (-15% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)

ROI 2.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #205 of 240 Music programs

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	$518K	$515K	$476K
Earnings Multiple	2.3x	2.3x	2.1x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	19	19	12

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$223,336

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$131,192

41% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,546

11.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$46,478

95% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

The Catholic University of America's Music graduates start at $23,856/yr, trailing the $28,116 national average by 15%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,546 against $23,856/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #205 ranking among 240 Music programs places The Catholic University of America in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $23,856-to-$46,478 earnings arc over five years reflects a 95% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The Catholic University of America

A 84% acceptance rate means The Catholic University of America is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 3,063 students in Washington, DC. After financial aid, the average student pays $131,192 over four years — 41% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at The Catholic University of America →

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 The Catholic University of America

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 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at The Catholic University of America?

At 19/100, 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 The Catholic University of America?

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 The Catholic University of America a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If The Catholic University of America'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 →