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Music at University of the Arts

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $20,543/yr (-27% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 2.0x earnings multiple

Ranked #229 of 240 Music programs

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	$439K	$445K	$422K
Earnings Multiple	2.0x	2.0x	1.9x
Probability of Field Employment	35%	31%	24%
DegreeOutlook Score	16	16	11

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$217,160

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$176,616

19% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

15.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$30,902

50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $20,543/yr fall 27% below the $28,116 national median for Music. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 2.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #229 ranking among 240 Music programs places University of the Arts in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $20,543-to-$30,902 earnings arc over five years reflects a 50% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of the Arts

University of the Arts has a 78% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 1,064 students in Philadelphia, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of the Arts →

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 the Arts

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 16/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at University of the Arts?

At 16/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Music programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Music degree from University of the Arts?

At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Music at University of the Arts?

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 the Arts a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of the Arts's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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