Music at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
26
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%

Program Analysis

Your look at UNC's Music program reveals an earnings profile that, while modest for many fields, stands notably above the national average for similar programs. This isn't solely about performance; UNC's rigorous liberal arts foundation equips graduates with critical thinking and communication skills highly valued across diverse sectors. The university's strong reputation opens doors, whether you pursue K-12 music education within North Carolina's robust public school system, engage in arts administration for regional non-profits, or leverage sound design skills in burgeoning local media production companies. Many graduates find success by blending their musical passion with complementary skills, creating hybrid roles in areas like content creation or educational technology. Given the evolving landscape for creative fields and the rise of AI, actively seeking internships or pursuing dual interests that combine your musical talent with practical skills in education, business, or digital media can significantly broaden your career prospects and financial stability.

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

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 →