Music at University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,121/yr (39% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #56 of 240 Music programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

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.

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 $477K $479K $448K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.9x 10.9x 10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 24
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,856
Out-of-state: $131,708 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,592
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,858
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

About University of Iowa

With 85% of applicants admitted, University of Iowa prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 21,691 in Iowa City, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →

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 Iowa

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

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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →