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Music at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $14,166/yr (-50% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 6.6x earnings multiple (2.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #204 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	$378K	$390K	$379K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	6.4x	6.6x	6.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	2.1x	2.1x	2.1x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	20	19	17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$59,400

Out-of-state: $182,508 (2.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,916

-1% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$12,800

10.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $14,166 place University of California-Berkeley below the $28,116 national median for Music — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 6.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The -0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $12,800 against $14,166/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #204 ranking among 240 Music programs places University of California-Berkeley in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of California-Berkeley

University of California-Berkeley's 12% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with 33,073 students enrolled in Berkeley, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Berkeley →

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 California-Berkeley

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 University of California-Berkeley?

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 University of California-Berkeley?

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 University of California-Berkeley a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Berkeley'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 →