Music at Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,989/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI
7.3x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
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 | $480K | $482K | $450K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 7.3x | 7.3x | 6.8x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.1x | 3.1x | 2.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 35% | 31% | 24% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 29 | 29 | 20 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,832
Out-of-state: $156,168 (3.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
11.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,111
45% growth from Year 1
About Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 20,797 students in Richmond, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth University →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
Compare & Explore
Music at Other Schools
Other Majors at Virginia Commonwealth University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Virginia Commonwealth University?
At 29/100, 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
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 →