Musicat Towson University
Graduates earn $19,618/yr in their first year — about 30.0% below the national Music average. Base-case 10-year earnings $504K; scenarios range from $467K to $505K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Towson University
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.
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 Towson 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 Towson University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Towson University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Towson 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 Towson University
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.