Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Music masters's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (12 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Duquesne University$47,268
Messiah University$66,109
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus$50,808
Carnegie Mellon University$23,278$29,103
Temple University$21,826$36,328
National Median$29,974

Other Music Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Messiah University
Mechanicsburg
$40,640$66,109
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
Indiana
$11,380$50,808
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh
$63,829$23,278
Temple University
Philadelphia
$22,082$21,826

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 Duquesne University, approximately 18% 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.