Music at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $15,834/yr (-44% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 13.7x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #163 of 240 Music programs

Program Analysis

The financial data for Western Washington's Music program reflects the real-world challenges many creative professionals face early in their careers. Bellingham, while a vibrant arts community, isn't a major hub for high-paying music industry jobs, meaning graduates often find opportunities in local education, performance, or private instruction. You'll likely be building a diverse income portfolio from various sources—gigs, teaching, arts administration—as you establish yourself. The program excels at artistic training, but direct pathways to high salaries can be limited without supplementing your core music skills. To enhance your outlook, actively seek internships in related fields like audio production, arts non-profits, or even a complementary minor in business or communications. This will diversify your skill set and open more immediate avenues to financial stability post-graduation.

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 $510K $508K $471K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.7x 13.7x 12.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.6x 4.6x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,144
Out-of-state: $111,412 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,720
-101% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,055
15.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,419
149% growth from Year 1

About Western Washington University

A 91% acceptance rate means Western Washington University is accessible to most applicants, serving 13,574 students in Bellingham, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington University?
At $20,055 in median debt, graduates carry 15 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 Washington 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.
Is Western Washington University a good choice for Music despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Western Washington University'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 →