Music at Drake University

Drake's music program shows estimated first-year earnings around $35,600—a figure drawn from four Iowa music bachelor's programs that did report data. That's notably higher than the national typical outcome of $26,000 for music degrees, suggesting Iowa's music job market may offer better opportunities than many states. However, with estimated debt near $26,500, graduates face a debt burden equal to about 75% of their first-year income, requiring careful budgeting in those early career years.

The comparison to Iowa programs with reported data reveals significant range: Luther College music graduates earn in the mid-$40,000s, while Coe College graduates start closer to $24,000. Drake likely falls somewhere in the middle of this pack, given its selectivity and location in Des Moines. The state's relatively small number of reporting programs makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly where Drake graduates land, but the statewide estimate at least reflects Iowa-specific conditions rather than national averages that might not apply to the state's music economy.

For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether your child has clear plans for how they'll use this degree—teaching positions, performance opportunities, or adjacent fields that value musical training. The debt level is manageable if earnings materialize near the state estimate, but music careers often require entrepreneurial hustle or additional credentials. Request placement information from Drake directly to understand where recent graduates actually work and whether those outcomes justify the investment for your family's situation.