Median Earnings (1yr)
$25,315
46th percentile (60th in NY)
Median Debt
$27,750
7% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
1.10
Elevated
Sample Size
16
Limited data

Analysis

Five Towns College's music program carries a small sample size caveat, but the available data suggests reasonable performance within New York's competitive music education landscape. With graduates earning $30,618 four years out, this program lands in the 60th percentile among New York music programs—a meaningful distinction in a state where the median sits at just $20,334. That's roughly $10,000 more annually than the typical New York music graduate.

The debt picture looks manageable at $27,750, nearly identical to both state and national medians for music degrees. The 1.10 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about 13 months of their first-year salary—tight but not crushing for a creative field known for modest early earnings. The 21% earnings growth between years one and four indicates developing career momentum, though these figures remain below top programs like CUNY Hunter ($33,384).

For families considering a specialized music program in New York, these numbers suggest Five Towns delivers middle-tier outcomes at median cost. The program won't match earnings from flagship institutions, but it outperforms most New York alternatives while keeping debt reasonable. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves a working-class population making this calculation particularly important. Just remember the small sample size means individual outcomes could vary more than at larger programs.

Where Five Towns College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all music bachelors's programs nationally

Five Towns CollegeOther music programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Five Towns College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Five Towns College graduates earn $25k, placing them in the 46th percentile of all music bachelors programs nationally.

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 New York

Music bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (61 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Five Towns College$25,315$30,618$27,7501.10
CUNY Hunter College$33,384$29,028
Columbia University in the City of New York$32,924
The College of Saint Rose$26,060$31,616$26,7171.03
New York University$24,398$18,612$25,0001.02
SUNY College at Potsdam$23,902$40,627$27,0001.13
National Median$26,036$26,0001.00

Other Music Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
CUNY Hunter College
New York
$7,382$33,384
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York
$69,045$32,924
The College of Saint Rose
Albany
$37,452$26,060$26,717
New York University
New York
$60,438$24,398$25,000
SUNY College at Potsdam
Potsdam
$8,712$23,902$27,000

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 Five Towns College, approximately 45% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.