Analysis
Carthage's music program lands in the bottom quarter among Wisconsin schools—and there are 25 to choose from in-state. With first-year earnings of $24,273, graduates earn about $5,000 less than the state median for music majors and roughly $2,000 below the national benchmark. That gap widens when you look at top Wisconsin programs: UW-Eau Claire music grads earn $43,764 their first year out, nearly double what Carthage graduates see.
The debt load of $27,000 isn't unusually high for music programs, but paired with those lower earnings, it creates a tighter squeeze in those first years after graduation. The 37% earnings growth to $33,288 by year four is solid and helps close the gap somewhat, though even at that point graduates still trail the state median. For context, Wisconsin music grads typically start around $29,000 annually.
The small sample size here means these figures could shift significantly with more data, but the pattern is concerning enough to warrant comparison shopping. If your student is set on studying music in Wisconsin, programs at UW-Eau Claire, UW-Whitewater, or even UW-Milwaukee show stronger earning outcomes at similar or lower debt levels. Unless Carthage offers something uniquely compelling for your student's musical development, the financial case for this program is weak relative to in-state alternatives.
Where Carthage College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all music bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Carthage College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carthage College | $24,273 | $33,288 | +37% |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $32,880 | $57,343 | +74% |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | $43,764 | $44,067 | +1% |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $31,134 | $42,953 | +38% |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $26,875 | $31,502 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Carthage CollegeKenosha | $36,500 | $24,273 | $33,288 | $27,000 | 1.11 |
 University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireEau Claire | $9,277 | $43,764 | $44,067 | $26,637 | 0.61 |
 University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater | $8,250 | $31,134 | $42,953 | $27,000 | 0.87 |
 University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee | $10,020 | $26,875 | $31,502 | $25,750 | 0.96 |
| National Median | — | $26,036 | — | $26,000 | 1.00 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with music graduates
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Music Directors and Composers
Sound Engineering Technicians
Musicians and Singers
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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 Carthage College, approximately 26% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.