Music at Capital University

Capital University's music program achieves something rare in the arts: strong early earnings combined with substantial growth over time. First-year graduates earn $33,143—outpacing 72% of music programs nationally and landing near Ohio's median despite the state having 50 competing programs. More importantly, earnings climb 29% by year four to reach $42,856, suggesting graduates are building sustainable careers rather than cobbling together adjunct teaching gigs or service jobs.

The $27,000 debt load makes this trajectory more impressive. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81, graduates owe less than one year's starting salary—manageable for a field where many programs leave students owing more than they'll earn in two years. The debt sits at just the 25th percentile nationally, meaning three-quarters of music programs burden students with more borrowing for similar or worse outcomes.

For families worried about the "starving artist" narrative, Capital's numbers tell a different story. While some Ohio programs edge slightly higher in first-year earnings (Akron and the Ohio University regional campuses hit $36,000), they don't necessarily offer the same upward trajectory. If your child is serious about music as a profession rather than just a passion, this program delivers both the training and the financial viability to make it work. The moderate sample size means these figures come from real graduates, not statistical outliers.