Music at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Cincinnati, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $12,875/yr (-54% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 8.8x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #208 of 240 Music programs

Program Analysis

The financial journey for music graduates from UC presents a distinct challenge, reflecting the broader realities of a highly competitive artistic field. While UC's College-Conservatory of Music is a highly respected institution, many music careers, especially early on, are built on a foundation of diverse income streams—freelance gigs, private lessons, part-time teaching, and even supplementing income with work outside the arts. The Cincinnati market, while rich in cultural opportunities, doesn't always offer the high-paying entry-level positions found in larger entertainment industry hubs, meaning a slower initial climb to financial stability for many. You'll need to be exceptionally proactive in building your network, seeking performance opportunities, and developing entrepreneurial skills. If you choose this path, diversify your skill set beyond your core instrument or discipline, exploring areas like sound engineering, arts administration, or digital content creation to open more stable career avenues.

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 $476K $478K $447K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.8x 8.8x 8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 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)
$54,280
Out-of-state: $122,328 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$92,624
-71% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250
20.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,173
150% growth from Year 1

About University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

With 88% of applicants admitted, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 29,094 students in Cincinnati, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus →

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 Cincinnati-Main Campus

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's Music program score?
This program scores 19/100 — on the lower end for Music. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Music graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.7x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Music to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Music careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Music earnings lower at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus?
Lower starting pay at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →