Analysis
Eastern Illinois University's music graduates are outearning 87% of music programs nationwide, with first-year earnings of $37,163 that climb to $47,898 by year four—a 29% increase that's remarkable for this field. Among Illinois music programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, trailing only Northern Illinois and Northwestern while beating larger state schools like Illinois State and Western Illinois. With debt at $26,300, graduates face manageable payments while earning substantially more than typical music majors (who start at $26,036 nationally).
The 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates can reasonably manage their loans, though the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means individual outcomes could vary significantly. Still, the combination of below-median debt and above-median earnings is exactly what you want to see, especially for a creative field where high earnings aren't guaranteed.
For a music degree, this program appears to strike an unusual balance: solid career outcomes without pricing students out. If your child is committed to music and wants a state school option, Eastern Illinois delivers better financial prospects than most alternatives in Illinois and across the country.
Where Eastern Illinois University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all music bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Eastern Illinois University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Illinois University | $37,163 | $47,898 | +29% |
| Western Illinois University | $32,666 | $42,061 | +29% |
| Northwestern University | $34,823 | $39,940 | +15% |
| Wheaton College | $26,540 | $38,034 | +43% |
| Illinois State University | $32,853 | $37,981 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (46 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Eastern Illinois UniversityCharleston | $13,403 | $37,163 | $47,898 | $26,300 | 0.71 |
 Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb | $12,700 | $42,830 | $25,600 | $29,000 | 0.68 |
 Northwestern UniversityEvanston | $65,997 | $34,823 | $39,940 | $18,166 | 0.52 |
 Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsville | $12,922 | $34,079 | — | $23,500 | 0.69 |
 Illinois State UniversityNormal | $16,021 | $32,853 | $37,981 | $20,500 | 0.62 |
 Western Illinois UniversityMacomb | $14,952 | $32,666 | $42,061 | $30,000 | 0.92 |
| National Median | — | $26,036 | — | $26,000 | 1.00 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with music graduates
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Music Directors and Composers
Sound Engineering Technicians
Musicians and Singers
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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 Eastern Illinois University, approximately 31% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.