Est. Earnings (1yr)
$47,010
Est. from TX median (21 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,500
Est. from TX median (3 programs)

Analysis

Music programs in Texas show remarkable range, with top programs producing first-year earnings near $60,000 while the statewide typical figure sits at $47,010. Concordia's estimated outcomes align with that Texas median—a figure drawn from 21 similar programs across the state since this school's own graduate sample is too small for the DOE to report. With an estimated $23,500 in debt, the math works out to a manageable half-year of first-year income, which compares favorably to the national music program landscape where graduates typically earn just $26,036 while carrying slightly more debt.

The gap between Concordia's peer-program estimates and the state's top performers is substantial—roughly $10,000-$13,000 annually. That difference matters for a creative field where many graduates pursue performance, education, or freelance work. Texas music programs clearly vary in their career placement effectiveness, and without Concordia's actual outcomes, there's legitimate uncertainty about where this specific program lands on that spectrum.

The debt level appears reasonable for a bachelor's degree, but the real question is whether this program connects graduates to the higher-earning opportunities that other Texas music programs demonstrate are possible. Before committing, your family should investigate what distinguishes the top-performing programs—whether it's location advantages in major metro areas, stronger industry connections, or different curricular emphases—and assess honestly whether Concordia offers comparable pathways.

Where Concordia University Texas Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (59 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Concordia University TexasAustin$36,690$47,010*—$23,500*—
Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville$9,228$59,926*$45,889$28,000*0.47
The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg$9,859$56,373*$55,090$20,920*0.37
Texas A&M University-KingsvilleKingsville$9,892$56,072*$53,695$31,000*0.55
The University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso$9,744$56,062*—$14,612*0.26
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$52,799*$55,639$26,000*0.49
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:
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 Concordia University Texas, approximately 40% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 21 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.