Music at Carnegie Mellon University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Carnegie Mellon University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $23k, placing them in the 19th 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 Pennsylvania
Music masters's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (12 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | $23,278 | $29,103 | — | — |
| Messiah University | $66,109 | — | — | — |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus | $50,808 | — | — | — |
| Temple University | $21,826 | $36,328 | — | — |
| National Median | $29,974 | — | — | — |
Other Music Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messiah University Mechanicsburg | $40,640 | $66,109 | — |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus Indiana | $11,380 | $50,808 | — |
| Temple University Philadelphia | $22,082 | $21,826 | — |
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 Carnegie Mellon University, approximately 15% 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.