Music at Eastern Illinois University

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.