Music at California State University-Long Beach

Cal State Long Beach's music program starts graduates at rock bottom—just $18,352 in year one—but the trajectory tells a different story. By year four, earnings jump 54% to $28,306, which puts graduates within striking distance of the national median for music majors. While that first year sits in the 13th percentile nationally, by year four this program essentially catches up to where most music programs start.

The middle-of-the-pack position among California music programs (40th percentile) matters more than the national comparison, since most students will build careers in-state where the music market is highly localized. Yes, San Francisco State grads earn $3,300 more right away, but Long Beach's $20,550 debt load is manageable—just above one year's starting salary—and lighter than both state and national medians. At a campus serving nearly half Pell Grant students, this relatively modest debt keeps the door open for graduates pursuing performance, teaching, or studio work without crushing financial pressure.

The real question is whether your child can weather those first few lean years while building their career. Music majors typically patch together income from multiple sources early on, and Long Beach's trajectory suggests graduates find their footing by year four. This program won't fast-track anyone to financial security, but it offers a realistic path for serious music students who understand they're investing in a career that takes time to develop.