Music at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,125/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #113 of 240 Music programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

Your UCLA Music degree places you squarely in the heart of one of the world's most dynamic and competitive music industries. While the initial financial outcomes may appear challenging, this often reflects the non-traditional, portfolio-based careers common in the arts, rather than a lack of opportunity. Graduates frequently navigate a blend of roles: performing, composing for film/TV/games, studio engineering, independent artistry, or teaching. The sheer volume of talent in Los Angeles means securing stable, high-paying work often requires significant hustle and networking. To maximize your potential, proactively engage with the city's vast professional network, cultivate strong entrepreneurial skills, and diversify your proficiencies, especially in areas like digital music production and sound design, to adapt to the evolving industry landscape and emerging technologies.

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 $555K $548K $502K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.1x 10.0x 9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.1x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,988
Out-of-state: $178,096 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,052
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
10.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,858
130% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Los Angeles

University of California-Los Angeles admits 9% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with 33,040 students enrolled in Los Angeles, CA.

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

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 University of California-Los Angeles?
A score of 30/100 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 $501,517 in decade earnings vs $554,547 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Music from University of California-Los Angeles?
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 →