Musicat University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Graduates earn $13,479/yr in their first year — about 52.0% below the national Music average. Base-case 10-year earnings $387K; scenarios range from $377K to $375K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Your financial outcomes from a music degree at UL Lafayette reflect the realities of pursuing a creative field in a regional market. While the program offers a solid foundation in performance, theory, and education, the local economy in Lafayette isn't a major hub for high-paying, full-time music industry positions. Many graduates build careers by combining multiple income sources: teaching private lessons, performing at local venues, working in churches, or contributing to community arts programs.
The opportunities you'll find often require entrepreneurial spirit, as stable, salaried roles can be scarce compared to larger metropolitan areas. Consider how your passion for music can be paired with complementary skills, perhaps through a minor in business or a focus on music technology and production, to enhance your marketability. Building a robust professional network within the Louisiana arts scene will be crucial for uncovering opportunities and shaping your career path.
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 Louisiana at Lafayette'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 Louisiana at Lafayette stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 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 Louisiana at Lafayette
What does a 21/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at University of Louisiana at Lafayette?
At 21/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Music programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Music degree from University of Louisiana at Lafayette?
At $25,115 in median debt, graduates carry 22 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Music at University of Louisiana at Lafayette?
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 Louisiana at Lafayette a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Louisiana at Lafayette's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.