Music at Austin Peay State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Austin Peay State University's music program outperforms expectations in a field known for financial challenges. With first-year earnings of $39,008, graduates earn 50% more than the national median for music degrees and rank in the 80th percentile among Tennessee programs. Only Tennessee Tech's music graduates earn more in the state. The $31,000 debt load, while higher than Tennessee's median, translates to a manageable 0.79 debt-to-earnings ratio—significantly better than what most music programs deliver nationally.
The small sample size here matters: we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, which means a few successful outcomes could skew these numbers favorably. Still, the pattern is consistent with an accessible state university (96% admission rate) serving many first-generation college students effectively. For a program in the arts, where career trajectories often take time to develop, starting near $39,000 represents solid financial footing.
If your child is committed to studying music, this program offers better immediate earnings potential than most alternatives. The debt isn't trivial, but it's proportionate to the income—a rare balance in music education. Just recognize that with such a small cohort, individual results will vary more widely than in larger programs.
Where Austin Peay State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all music bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Austin Peay State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Austin Peay State University graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 94th percentile of all music bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (35 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State University | $39,008 | — | $31,000 | 0.79 |
| Tennessee Technological University | $44,635 | $36,814 | $17,500 | 0.39 |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $31,888 | $26,143 | $23,453 | 0.74 |
| East Tennessee State University | $30,004 | $20,191 | $23,000 | 0.77 |
| Middle Tennessee State University | $27,586 | $38,385 | $22,608 | 0.82 |
| University of Memphis | $27,353 | $41,074 | $22,060 | 0.81 |
| National Median | $26,036 | — | $26,000 | 1.00 |
Other Music Programs in Tennessee
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Tennessee schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Technological University Cookeville | $10,084 | $44,635 | $17,500 |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville | $13,484 | $31,888 | $23,453 |
| East Tennessee State University Johnson City | $9,950 | $30,004 | $23,000 |
| Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro | $9,506 | $27,586 | $22,608 |
| University of Memphis Memphis | $10,344 | $27,353 | $22,060 |
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 Austin Peay State University, approximately 46% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 24 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.