Location: New York, NY•In-State Tuition: $69,045•Admission Rate: 4%•Avg SAT: 1547
Median Earnings (1yr)Small sample
$32,924
71st percentile
95th percentile in New York
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$26,717
Est. from NY median (9 programs)
Sample: 17 graduates Limited data

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Where Columbia University in the City of New York Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all music bachelors's programs nationally

Columbia University in the City of New York (estimated ±10%)Other music programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Columbia University in the City of New York graduates compare to all programs nationally

Columbia University in the City of New York earns $33k — 71th percentile among music bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (61 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York$69,045$32,924—$26,717*—
CUNY Hunter CollegeNew York$7,382$33,384$29,028—*—
The College of Saint RoseAlbany$37,452$26,060$31,616$26,717*1.03
Five Towns CollegeDix Hills$29,950$25,315$30,618$27,750*1.10
New York UniversityNew York$60,438$24,398$18,612$25,000*1.02
SUNY College at PotsdamPotsdam$8,712$23,902$40,627$27,000*1.13
National Median—$26,036—$26,000*1.00
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with music graduates

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Music Directors and Composers

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

$63,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Musicians and Singers

Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.

Jobs growth:No formal educational credential

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:

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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 Columbia University in the City of New York, approximately 23% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 13 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.