Music at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,272/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 6.5x earnings multiple (1.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #180 of 240 Music programs

Program Analysis

While the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance is renowned for its artistic rigor and excellent faculty, it's crucial to understand the unique career landscape for music graduates. Many alumni pursue passion-driven roles in performance, composition, or academia, where financial success often builds over time through a "portfolio career" approach – blending freelance gigs, private instruction, and part-time arts administration. Ann Arbor supports a vibrant local arts scene, but it's not a primary hub for the broader music industry, which can affect initial salary potential compared to major metro areas. The high AI risk reflects the evolving nature of sound production and composition tools, requiring adaptability. To thrive, you'll need to actively cultivate a diverse skill set, network aggressively within your chosen niche, and be prepared for a career path that prioritizes artistic fulfillment and requires entrepreneurial drive.

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 $442K $447K $423K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.4x 6.5x 6.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 1.9x 1.9x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$68,912
Out-of-state: $232,288 (1.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,328
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,997
10.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,036
44% growth from Year 1

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

A 18% acceptance rate puts University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in competitive admissions territory, with 33,488 students enrolled in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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 Michigan-Ann Arbor?
A score of 22/100 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 $423,379 in decade earnings vs $442,019 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Music from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
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 →