Music at Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings
$24,775/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI
7.5x earnings multiple (6.0x 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 | $454K | $458K | $432K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 7.4x | 7.5x | 7.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.9x | 6.0x | 5.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 35% | 31% | 24% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 25 | 25 | 18 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,192
Out-of-state: $76,392 (6.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
13.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,347
43% growth from Year 1
About Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 12,704 students in Kalamazoo, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan 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 Western Michigan University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Music at Western Michigan University?
At 25/100, 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 Western Michigan University?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 13 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 Western Michigan 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 →