Music at Towson University

Towson, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,618/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 11.1x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #152 of 240 Music programs

Program Analysis

A music degree from Towson places you in a vibrant but competitive regional arts scene spanning Baltimore and Washington D.C. Many graduates find initial roles in K-12 music education, private instruction, or local performing arts organizations. The nature of the music industry often means piecing together multiple income streams – from gigs to teaching – especially in the early career stages. This entrepreneurial path requires significant self-motivation and networking, which influences initial compensation. While the program likely provides a strong foundation in performance or theory, the reality is that many entry-level music positions, or the nascent stages of a performance career, don't always offer high salaries immediately. Factor in the increasing impact of AI on fields like sound engineering and composition, and you'll see why adapting is crucial. To succeed, proactively build a diverse skillset alongside your musical talent, perhaps by minoring in business or marketing, and actively intern with local arts groups to gain practical, marketable experience before graduation.

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 $505K $504K $467K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.2x 11.1x 10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.4x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,224
Out-of-state: $113,304 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,164
-49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,801
11.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,706
113% growth from Year 1

About Towson University

Towson University accepts 83% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 16,400 students in Towson, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at Towson 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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Music at Towson University?
A score of 26/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Music. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Music careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $467,220 in decade earnings vs $505,156 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Music from Towson University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →