Music at Academy of Art University
Master's Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Music masters's programs at peer institutions in California (34 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academy of Art University | — | $43,847 | — | — |
| California State University-Northridge | $37,985 | $48,814 | — | — |
| Azusa Pacific University | $37,001 | — | — | — |
| San Francisco Conservatory of Music | $35,025 | $31,543 | — | — |
| University of Southern California | $27,510 | $30,299 | — | — |
| California State University-Long Beach | $25,480 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $29,974 | — | — | — |
Other Music Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Northridge Northridge | $7,095 | $37,985 | — |
| Azusa Pacific University Azusa | $43,600 | $37,001 | — |
| San Francisco Conservatory of Music San Francisco | $54,550 | $35,025 | — |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $27,510 | — |
| California State University-Long Beach Long Beach | $7,008 | $25,480 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Academy of Art University, approximately 42% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.