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Music at University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,175/yr (14% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 11.9x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #75 of 240 Music programs Top 50%

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	$461K	$464K	$437K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.9x	11.9x	11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.4x	5.5x	5.1x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	34	34	23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,912

Out-of-state: $85,088 (5.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,436

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$38,893

21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,175/yr, edging above the $28,116 national average for Music — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 11.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,500 against $32,175/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #75 ranking among 240 Music programs places University of Northern Iowa in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 21% earnings increase from $32,175 to $38,893 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa has a 94% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 7,599 students in Cedar Falls, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Northern Iowa →

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 Northern Iowa

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 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at University of Northern Iowa?

At 34/100, 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 Northern Iowa?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →