Music at Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,666/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 8.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #74 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 $495K $495K $460K
Earnings Multiple 8.3x 8.3x 7.7x
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 (Sticker)
$59,808
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,368
22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,354
42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Western Illinois University's Music graduates start at $32,666/yr — above the $28,116 national average, though not by a wide margin.

A 8.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Music career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $32,666/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #74 ranking among 240 Music programs places Western Illinois University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 42% earnings increase from $32,666 to $46,354 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Western Illinois University

A 75% acceptance rate means Western Illinois University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 4,939 students in Macomb, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Illinois 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
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Music at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Illinois University

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 Western Illinois University?
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 Western Illinois 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 →