Music at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,831/yr (38% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 16.6x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #21 of 240 Music programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

UNC Charlotte's Music program consistently sees graduates achieve strong outcomes, significantly outpacing the national average for the major. This isn't just about raw talent; it reflects the unique environment of Charlotte itself. As a rapidly growing urban center with a burgeoning arts and entertainment scene, you'll find diverse opportunities beyond traditional performance. Think about the demand for music educators in Mecklenburg County schools, sound engineers for live events and recording studios, or even composers for commercial projects and corporate media. The program likely emphasizes practical skills and local connections, preparing you for roles that blend artistic passion with the region's economic needs. Your degree here can open doors into teaching, event production, or even entrepreneurial ventures within the city's vibrant cultural landscape. To maximize your potential, actively seek out internships and networking opportunities early on; Charlotte thrives on connections.

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 $476K $478K $447K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.5x 16.6x 15.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.4x 5.5x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,856
Out-of-state: $87,504 (5.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,980
-104% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings

About University of North Carolina at Charlotte

University of North Carolina at Charlotte accepts 80% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 23,567 students in Charlotte, NC.

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

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 Charlotte

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

How does University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Music program score?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Music. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Music to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Music careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →