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Music at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,880/yr (17% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)

ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #59 of 240 Music programs Top 25%

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	$472K	$474K	$444K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.1x	13.2x	12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.0x	3.0x	2.8x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	37	36	26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$35,956

Out-of-state: $157,320 (3.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,932

-44% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,007

6.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$41,458

26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,880/yr, edging above the $28,116 national average for Music — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 13.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,007 against $32,880/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranks #59 among 240 Music programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 26% earnings increase from $32,880 to $41,458 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill admits 19% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, one of the larger campuses at 20,556 students in Chapel Hill, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill →

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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill one of the best schools for Music?

Among 240 Music programs, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's #59 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 →