Music at Duquesne University

Duquesne's music program hits almost exactly at Pennsylvania's median for both earnings ($35,095 at year four versus a state median of $27,226 at year one—hard to compare directly, but solidly middle-of-the-pack) and debt ($27,000). That 60th percentile ranking among Pennsylvania music programs means your child would be doing slightly better than average, though nowhere near the top-tier outcomes from places like Lebanon Valley College or Slippery Rock. The debt load is actually modest for a private university, with graduates owing roughly what they earn in their first year—not ideal, but manageable compared to the national picture where many programs saddle students with far worse ratios.

The 26% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are finding their footing, though starting at $27,854 means those early years will be tight financially. Keep in mind the sample size here is small (under 30 graduates tracked), so these numbers could swing significantly with just a few outliers. One graduate landing a well-paying orchestra position or moving into music education could skew the averages.

For a music degree, this is about what you'd expect: survivable debt, earnings that improve but never soar, and outcomes roughly in line with state and national norms. If your child is committed to music as a career path, Duquesne won't put them at a major disadvantage, but they should have realistic expectations about those first few years out of school.