Musicat University of Iowa
Graduates earn $39,121/yr in their first year — about 39.0% above the national Music average. Base-case 10-year earnings $479K; scenarios range from $448K to $477K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Iowa
The strong financial outcomes for University of Iowa music graduates aren't accidental. This program likely excels by prioritizing practical, marketable skills that translate directly into stable careers, particularly in education and technical fields. Given the listed career paths, many graduates find consistent employment as music educators in K-12 schools or postsecondary institutions across the Midwest, where demand can be steady and competition less intense than major coastal cities. The inclusion of sound engineering also points to a curriculum that integrates technical proficiencies, opening doors to more lucrative roles in recording or live production. This blend of pedagogical and technical training, often bolstered by a public university's strong regional connections, helps graduates secure roles with reliable salaries. As you explore this program, actively seek out its practicum opportunities, teaching placements, and any sound lab or technical production facilities; these experiences are key to unlocking your earning potential.
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 University of Iowa'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 University of Iowa stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Iowa
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Iowa, 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 University of Iowa
What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at University of Iowa?
At 36/100, 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 Iowa?
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 Iowa one of the best schools for Music?
Among 240 Music programs, University of Iowa's #56 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.