Music at Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University's music program produces graduates who earn slightly less than the state median—landing in the 40th percentile among Kentucky music programs—while carrying notably less debt than most peers. With $20,379 in median debt compared to the state average of $24,317, graduates here are taking on about $4,000 less burden than typical Kentucky music majors. That's meaningful when starting salaries hover around $30,000, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 still means graduates spend most of their first year's salary managing that obligation.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth, reaching $34,419 by year four—nearly matching programs at Northern Kentucky and Murray State. Starting lower but catching up suggests the degree opens doors that take time to walk through, which fits the realities of building a music career. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly year to year, so they're more of a directional signal than a guarantee.

For families weighing this investment, the key advantage is graduating with less debt while still accessing earnings growth comparable to Kentucky's top-performing music programs. That lighter debt load provides more breathing room for graduates pursuing teaching positions, performance opportunities, or graduate school. Just recognize you're working with limited data, and the financial payoff will depend heavily on the specific career path your student carves out in music.