Music at University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,811/yr (38% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 12.5x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #22 of 240 Music programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

The strong financial outcomes for UofA Music graduates often reflect the unique economic landscape of Northwest Arkansas. Fayetteville is part of a dynamic, growing region, home to major corporations and a rapidly expanding K-12 educational system, creating a surprisingly robust demand for diverse music-related skills. You're not just looking at traditional performance roles; many graduates find success in music education within local school districts, sound engineering for corporate events or regional venues, or arts administration within the area's burgeoning cultural scene. The university's strong regional ties and large alumni network help funnel students into these practical, well-compensated positions. To maximize your potential here, actively seek out internships or consider a complementary minor in fields like business, education, or communications to broaden your career horizons beyond the stage.

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 $489K $489K $456K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.5x 12.5x 11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.3x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,992
Out-of-state: $115,088 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,100
-80% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,256
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,649
20% growth from Year 1

About University of Arkansas

With 72% of applicants admitted, University of Arkansas prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 27,312 in Fayetteville, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arkansas →

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 University of Arkansas

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Music at University of Arkansas?
A score of 43/100 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 $455,889 in decade earnings vs $488,837 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →