Music at California State University-Northridge
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How California State University-Northridge graduates compare to all programs nationally
California State University-Northridge graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 81th percentile of all music masters programs nationally.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | — | — |
| California Institute of the Arts | $17,850 | $29,938 | — | — |
| National Median | $29,974 | — | — | — |
Other Music Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| California Institute of the Arts Valencia | $56,724 | $17,850 | — |
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 California State University-Northridge, approximately 56% 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.