Music at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Colorado State's music graduates are outperforming their peers by a considerable margin, earning $38,277 in their first year—nearly 50% above the national median for music majors and ranking in the 91st percentile nationally. Among Colorado's 16 music programs, CSU ranks in the 80th percentile, delivering the highest first-year earnings in the state. The $26,837 debt load sits right at the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 that's manageable compared to what many arts programs require. Earnings continue climbing to $46,495 by year four, suggesting graduates are building sustainable careers rather than hitting an immediate ceiling.

The caveat here matters: these figures come from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes vary more than they would in a larger program. That said, the pattern is consistent—CSU music grads consistently earn more than peers from larger Colorado programs like CU Denver or University of Northern Colorado. The relatively high admission rate (90%) means access isn't a barrier if your child has the talent and drive.

For a music degree, these numbers represent a best-case scenario within realistic bounds. Your child won't graduate debt-free, but they're likely to earn enough to manage the loans while pursuing their passion—a rare combination in music education.