Music at Carson-Newman University
Bachelor's Degree
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 Tennessee
Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (35 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carson-Newman University | — | $34,989 | — | — |
| Tennessee Technological University | $44,635 | $36,814 | $17,500 | 0.39 |
| Austin Peay State University | $39,008 | — | $31,000 | 0.79 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Austin Peay State University Clarksville | $8,675 | $39,008 | $31,000 |
| 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 |
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 Carson-Newman University, approximately 39% 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.